A BUSINESS director is set to represent the town on the national stage after being shortlisted for a top award.

Maura Jackson, CEO of BACKUP North West, has reached the final of the Institute of Directors' (IoD) Director of the Year Awards next month in the Third Sector category.

She heads-up BACKUP North West, a Bolton-based enterprise which helps young people who are homeless to be safe, stable and develop skills for independence.

Her entry into the finals came after she scooped the regional award at a ceremony in April.

Claire Ebrey, the IoD's regional director for the North West and Isle of Man, said: “We could not be prouder of Maura, who deservedly won her category at our regional awards ceremony back in April. We have every confidence that she will be bringing back an accolade from October’s national final.

“The annual IoD Director of the Year awards give us such a great opportunity to publicly acknowledge the diverse achievements of our entrepreneurial and inspiring business leaders here in the north west.

"It also gives us a platform to show the rest of the UK how we are pioneering best practice, even in these challenging times. We wish Maura the very best of luck.”

The Director of the Year Award will be held in London on October 18, and will be presented by veteran broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald.