Jim sells us to the world

But humble Jim said it was the Ambassadors Scheme, of which he is a member, that should be recognised and not himself.

The Ambassadors Scheme, run by the East Lancashire Partnership, utilises successful businessmen from East Lancashire to promote the area as a place to have and do business.

Jim, minutes after being named as the winner, said: "It's the scheme itself that should be awarded.

"Everybody volunteers to do the work and everybody is dedicated to the cause.

"It's absolutely important that we represent and promote East Lancashire to outside businessman.

"And it's right that the award gives recognition to those individuals who give up their time to the scheme.

"I cannot measure how much time I give up to the scheme but it's not a business decision. We do it because we have a social conscience to promote the area we are in."

Jim is chief executive officer for cutting-edge IT firm Keytech, based in a converted chapel in the Rossendale village of Whitworth, and has been a member of the Ambassadors scheme for over two years.

The 47-year-old chose the village to base the business and has worked to make Keytech, which can solve IT problems globally, contribute to the village's economy.

Jim said he could take his business and put it in anywhere. But being in a small village the company is able to help its micro-economy, and in return the villagers help the business.

It is this philosophy and willingness to invest in East Lancashire that enabled Jim to win the award.

Jim said: "I firmly believe that businessmen and women do have social consciences and the reason we are in this area is to help people.

"We need to recognise how good we are.

"We should get the attitude here that the South of England has. They see themselves as masters of the universe.

"But a little company like mine can do work for a cinema in Hong Kong from Whitworth, we should not underestimate our abilities and our skills in business."