A FIRM of solicitors which is returning as a sponsor for this year's Bolton and Bury Business Awards is encouraging companies to get involved.

KBL Solicitors is sponsoring the Business Person of the Year category of this year's awards, which will take place at the Macron Stadium on Thursday, September 8.

Those shortlisted will work for a company in Bolton or Bury and have made a unique contribution to the business, and this could be at any level of the firm, from chief executive to shop floor.

Examples of a unique contribution could include capturing the imagination of their chosen industry, helping others in an ambassadorial role, or making an impact which has helped the business stand out from the rest.

There is still time to enter the awards, with the deadline on Friday, July 29.

Businesses are invited to nominate themselves for a category, to be in with a chance of receiving an award at one of the most prestigious dates on the Bolton and Bury calendar.

Michael Slater, a partner at the Mawdsley Street based solicitors, said he would encourage any business to get involved as it helps to raise profile.

He said: "There is a lot of negativity about business and life in general at the moment, so it will be good to have the opportunity to celebrate success.

"It raises the profile of firms. Businesses are all about sales, and the awards can help raise their profile.

"So if someone hears about your business through the awards, that could lead to increased sales.

"A few years ago Carrs Pasties won the Family Business award. I had never eaten a Carrs Pastie before, but after that I bought one of their pasties and have been buying them ever since, it can be that simple.

"It is all to do with visibility and perception in business today, if you are not visible, you don't exist. And the business awards can only help this."

Mr Slater said he believes that everyone can benefit from promoting local business.

He said: "I like to go out and meet various applicants, and I find it quite exciting to go out and meet people and see how they work.

"It's always good to support local business. I believe that by promoting local business, it helps everyone."

For more information, visit newsquestnorthwest.co.uk/business-awards.html

Entrants who want to submit any further evidence or testimonials can do so by contacting Lynn Ashwell, deputy editor, on 01204 537277 or by e mailing lynn.ashwell@nqnw.co.uk