The Hurstwood Group is rapidly becoming known as one of the North West's leading independent property developers.

Now established for 30 years it has grown dramatically over the last eight years and now consists of 15 companies with gross assets of £100 million and strong consistent profits.

As well as a number multi-million contract wins over the last 12-months the company is currently lobbying Rossendale Council to get the go ahead for its ambitious £40million plans to redevelop Rawtenstall Town Centre.

Being at the helm of such a fast-growing company must be a daunting task, but it's one that Stephen Ashworth, managing director for the last 11 years, is relishing.

In that time Mr Ashworth, 39, has turned the one-time local housebuilder, founded by his late father John Ashworth, into a major player and the success of his tenure has been recognised with a number of awards.

Stephen was recently named Business Person of the Year in the Red Rose Awards, Young Entrepreneur by the West Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and Young Director of the Year for Lancashire by the Institute of Directors.

But he is not about to rest on his laurels.

"I have a real determination to continue to make the Hurstwood name known and respected," said Mr Ashworth.

"My aim is to make Hurstwood a £250 million property company and we are well on the way.

"We have doubled the size of the company every two years for the last six years and have taken the gross assets to £100 million."

Just five years ago, 90 percent of the projects that Hurstwood worked on were based in Rossendale.

Today, 80 percent are located at various positions around the North West region.

The company, whose headquarters are still based in Rossendale at the Link 665 Business Centre, also has offices in Preston and Lancaster and the company has 25 to 30 major projects currently ongoing.

Today, the Hurstwood Group's portfolio ranges from office suites to industrial estates together with retail, leisure and medical facilities.