A company with a 'huge heart' won the top award at the Rossendale Business Awards.

PWDirect, based in Pippin Bank, Bacup, was presented the Valley at Work glass trophy at the 15th awards ceremony on November 30.

The awards were held at The Ashcroft in Whitworth.

The business is run by Dave and Ross Faulkner-Cross, who were described as a 'beacon of inspiration' by the chairman of Valley at Work, Ruth Winter.

Winner of the Valley at Work award PWDirect, from left, Ross Faulkner-Cross and Dave Faulkner-Cross with Ruth Winter, Chair of Valley at Work (Image: Liz Henson Photography) Mr Faulkner-Cross said: "When I left school I went on a Youth Training Scheme, I didn’t go to college or university, and 20 years on, here we are, a finalist in three categories, winning the Philanthropy Award and then the top award too.

"I am in shock, 20 years ago, I was stacking shelves at Morrisons and my uncle had a packaging firm in Bacup and needed a sales rep.

"I was useless at selling, but I took control of the business side, accounting and stock control."

Mr Faulkner-Cross also added that he is always keen to give back, taking on staff that others wouldn’t.

One employee had been sofa surfing, but thanks to the faith Dave and Ross had in him, he has now rebuilt his life.

Businesses celebrate at The Ashcroft at Rossendale Business Awards (Image: Liz Henson Photography) The awards were opened by the Mayor of Rossendale, Councillor Judith Driver, who said: "The awards have grown significantly and is now one of the premier awards’ events in the region."

Rossendale and Darwen MP Andy MacNae, who attended the first business awards in 2010, said: "It is so fantastic to see it continue to grow and see all the new and different and exciting businesses that are starting in Rossendale."

Ruth Winter added: "I would like to thank everyone who came along to the awards and congratulations to our very worthy winners.

"Thank you to all the organisers for their hard work, the sponsors for supporting the event, to Alder Grange for providing the trophies and the back-room staff who make it possible."

Rossendale Business Awards - full list of winners

  • Valley At Work Award - PWDirect
  • Small Business - The Chubby Duck
  • Medium Business - Unscripted
  • Large Business - Carvansons
  • Microbusiness - DOG Grooming Studio
  • Sole Trader - Baha Accessories
  • Part-time Business - Bacup Museum
  • Independent Retailer - Be You Lifestyle Boutique
  • Community Enterprise - Rossendale Radio
  • Invest in Rossendale - SolvAssist
  • Enterprising Person - Kelsea Bennett, Cotton Shed Theatre Company
  • Creative Business - Design Hut
  • Not For Profit - Whitworth Leisure Centre CIC
  • Service Business - Olive Branch Fostering
  • Philanthropy - PWDirect
  • Workforce Development - Dansworks Dance Academy of Performing Arts CIC
  • Green Initiative and Sustainability - We Buy Books
  • Visit Rossendale - The Ashcroft