IT was certainly a case of back to the future for Prestwich-based PR design, marketing and communications specialist Appleby Bowers when the business invested £500,000 in their new headquarters.

And the move proved a happy return for the ten-strong company when it lifted Groundwork's Building, Structures, Securities and Landscapes award. This year Appleby Bowers transferred from their previous Bury Old Road base into the Edwardian four-storey Bank House Studios in Warwick Street, Prestwich.

For managing director Mr Bernie Bowers, it was a return to his roots. "The company was set up in 1991 and a year later we became tenants at Bank House and rented the second floor."

Five years later, Appleby Bowers moved out to Bury Old Road.

Last December Bernie bought Bank House to act as a catalyst for future growth, secured a Bury Council grant and undertook a massive refurbishment which has also provided workspace for complementary businesses. The revamp included opening 147 sq metres of new floorspace, the replacement of all windows with double-glazing, the fire and damp proofing of the building and the pressure washing and re-pointing of the exterior brickwork.

Bernie said: "Originally, we had major problems because the building had been dilapidated for a number of years. We have brought the building back to its former glory. The outside facia was cleaned and there is fantastic ornate stonework with carvings. I'm delighted weve won the Groundwork award."