WDirect Wins Top Prize at 15th Rossendale Business Awards

PWDirect: A Beacon of Inspiration

PWDirect, based at Pippin Bank, Bacup, is run by Dave and Ross Faulkner-Cross. The company was described as a “beacon of inspiration” by Valley at Work Chair Ruth Winter as she presented them with the top Valley at Work glass trophy.

Dave said: “When I left school I went on a Youth Training Scheme, I didn’t go to college or university, and 20 years on, here we are, a finalist in three categories, winning the Philanthropy Award and then the top award too. I am in shock. Twenty years ago, I was stacking shelves at Morrisons and my uncle had a packaging firm in Bacup and needed a sales rep. I was useless at selling, but I took control of the business side, accounting and stock control.”

As someone who was given a chance, Dave is always keen to give back, taking on staff others wouldn’t. One employee had been sofa-surfing, but thanks to the faith Dave and Ross placed in him, he has now rebuilt his life.

Celebrating Community and Not-for-Profit Success

The room was packed with positivity and a huge cheer erupted when Whitworth Leisure Centre Community Interest Company was announced as the winner of the Not for Profit category.

Volunteer director Kirstie Healey said: “There were very worthy finalists and we never thought we would win. The pool is our passion and it is a big part of the community.”

Fellow director Elaine Edyvean added: “We are very grateful for all the help we received and the support of the community and trades.”

Bacup Museum Wins Recognition

Another popular winner was Bacup Museum — home of Bacup Natural History Society — which won praise for the way it had developed and transformed post-Covid. The Nat’s first female president in 140 years, Marian Connolly, said: “The museum tells the story of Bacup and keeps it alive and that makes people want to come and visit.”

Dignitaries and Reflections

The awards were opened by Mayor of Rossendale Councillor Judith Driver, who said: “The awards have grown significantly and are now one of the premier awards events in the region.”

Whitworth Town Mayor Councillor Gareth Baron spoke of his delight at seeing so many Whitworth businesses represented as finalists and sponsors.

Rossendale’s MP Andy MacNae recalled being present at the first business awards in 2010, which was a much smaller and less formal event with only a few categories held after a business exhibition at Bacup Leisure Hall. He said: “It is fantastic to see it continue to grow and see all the new and exciting businesses that are starting in Rossendale.”

Entertainment and Fundraising

Rossendale Radio provided live interviews with winners and also picked up the Community Enterprise trophy, while Alan Deejay kept the dance floor alive until midnight. A raffle raised £600 for Tor View School, and dancers from Dansworks Dance Academy of Performing Arts CIC — winners of the Workforce Development Trophy — entertained during the break.

Organisers and Thanks

Rossendale Business Awards is organised by Valley at Work, which connects local businesses and holds free-to-attend local meetings on the first Wednesday of each month.

Chair Ruth Winter added: “I would like to thank everyone who came along to the awards and congratulations to our very worthy winners. Thank you to all the organisers for their hard work, the sponsors for supporting the event, to Alder Grange for providing the trophies, and the back-room staff who make it possible.”