A VIRTUAL gathering celebrated everything which is good about business in Bury in 2020.

For its eighth outing the Made In Bury Business Awards, like so many other events, had to take place online.

But there was no shortage of anticipation and jubilation as 21 gongs were handed out, including the coveted Triumph Over Adversity Award, which went to Bury Hospice.

Cllr Eamonn O'Brien, council leader, who handed out that prize, said: "What a night, what crazy times, a fantastic event on a virtual platform.

"I hope it brought some cheer to our wonderful businesses who are doing all they can to survive in a crisis.

"I congratulate the award winners and runners up and indeed all who applied and wish them, and the whole Bury business community, the very best for a Covid-free future.”

TV and radio star Andy Crane, who has been involved in each awards, was the MC for the evening.

And Bury Music Service performed Elton John’s ‘I’m still Standing’ via Zoom to brighten up the proceedings.

Debi and Phil Fellone, the awards organisers, added: "Due to the pandemic, we had to do something very different this year and we are pleased to say that the response to the online awards has been phenomenal.

"Social media went crazy with the MIBBA20 hashtag as businesses celebrated and recognised each other’s achievements."

The full rundown of award winners included: Start-Up: MCR Gas; Retailer: Wax & Beans; Manufacturing & Engineering: Cranswick Continental Foods; Wellness & Beauty: Brandlesholme Dentistry; Professional, Legal & Financial: PM+M Solutions for Business: Best in Class Technology: Cyfor; Excellence in Developing People: AFG LAW.

Family Business: ISM Waste & Recycling; Tourism & Leisure: Wax & Beans; Best in Class Pet Services: Digs for Dogs; Customer Excellence: Square Peg Associates; Food & Drink: Cranswick Continental Foods; Best in Class Creative: Pixelwave Creative; Community Impact: Eagle & Child Ramsbottom; Backing Young Bury Award: Bury College; Environmental Impact: ISM Waste & Recycling; Motoring & Transport: LNK Motors; Property & Construction: Luke Barnett Property Management.

Best in Class Large Business: Nu-Form Fire UK; Businessman of The Year Award: Joshua Riddett (Easy Crypto Hunter); Businesswoman of The Year Award: Debbie Pomfret (Digs for Dogs); The Triumph Over Adversity Award: Bury Hospice.