THE award-winning Bury Black Pudding Company now has an award-winning finance director after Anita Kirkman was voted member of the year by her peers at a North West Directors’ Group.

Anita carried off the coveted and unusual trophy, titled ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained’, after being chosen as a worthy winner by her peers at their annual retreat.

Anita joined the Bury Black Pudding Group in 2006, becoming finance director in 2010, and joined the Directors Forum in 2013, where she has been able to learn from other top directors and share her own insights and experiences.

Fellow members praised her for being brave and courageous in the way she challenges people, and for being supportive, encouraging and inspiring. They also commended her achievements on both a business and professional level.

She said: "Winning the award was an amazing experience. The Directors Group provides an excellent learning environment for those wishing to get ahead in business.

"The benefits of having a confidential forum to share the kind of difficulties encountered when you are in a senior management position are invaluable and I feel I have learned a great deal in the two years I have been part of the group."

The Bury Black Pudding Company is the only company in the town which makes the classic treat, and uses a recipe that is more than a century old.

Its puddings are stocked by major retailers across the UK and it still has a stall on Bury market, where the company first sold its products.

Following significant investment over the last two years, the company has ambitious plans for the future, aiming to double turnover within the next five years.

Sarah McDowell, chair of the Directors Group, added: "In business, and particularly in a senior management role, it is all too easy to become bogged down in the day to day running of the business rather than taking a more strategic viewpoint.

"This award recognises those who have the courage to leave usual paths to create new perspectives and new possibilities and Anita’s fellow directors felt her approach embodied the spirit of this award."