Three Burnley Business Win Awards for Excellence
Each year, Burnley Council presents awards to local businesses that have reached significant milestones and made lasting contributions to the Borough of Burnley.
The Business Excellence in Burnley Awards are presented to winners during surprise visits from Burnley Council’s Chief Executive, Lukman Patel, Director of Economy and Growth, Kate Ingram and Executive Member for Economy and Growth, Councillor Lubna Khan.
Burnley Council’s Chief Executive, Lukman Patel said: “The Business Excellence in Burnley Awards truly live up to their name, recognising not only excellence but also investment, innovation, and ambition. We have world-class businesses in our borough, and it's important to give them the recognition they deserve.”
This year, the three companies being recognised for their achievements include: Althams Travel Services Ltd – 150 years in business Donald Race & Newton Solicitors – 100 years in business Cherrytree Bakery Ltd – 40 years in business Althams Travel Services Ltd – 150 Years in Business Founded by Abraham Altham in 1874, Althams Travel Services has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a tea wholesaler. Their adaptability has been key to their success, as they transitioned from trading tea to becoming a major travel service provider! Originally hailed as the "Prince of Tea and Travel," Altham embraced innovation early on, and today the business boasts 33 travel branches across Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Lincolnshire (with their Head Office in Burnley).
Sandra McAllister, Managing Director said: “We are truly thrilled to receive this prestigious award, which reflects the dedication and commitment of our incredible staff, both past and present, who have consistently provided exceptional service to our valued customers in Burnley.
“Our roots are deeply embedded in Burnley’s history, and we look forward to serving the local community for many more years ahead. Thank you to all our past and future customers, as well as Burnley Council, for this very special recognition. Here’s to the next 150 years!”
Lukman Patel added: “It was an honour to present the Burnley Business Excellence Award to Althams during their 150th anniversary. Their longevity is not only inspiring but also a testament to the empowering culture they have cultivated over the years."
Donald Race & Newton Solicitors – 100 Years in Business Founded in 1924 by Donald Race, Donald Race & Newton Solicitors has provided top-tier legal services in Burnley for a century.
Director Matthew Finley said: “We are honoured and grateful to have been awarded the Business Excellence Award by Burnley Borough Council in our centenary year. Having been founded in Burnley in 1924 by Donald Race, we remain as committed now, as he was at the start, to providing excellent, cost-effective legal services to the people of Burnley and the wider area.
“As a full-service law firm with a long- term presence in the town centre, we are extremely proud of our roots and enthusiastic to remain an integral part of the local community. We are thankful for and very much appreciate the relationships that we have forged over the last century, including with individuals and their families and the wider business community, many of which span a number of generations.
“By keeping pace with the technology and working practices of the 21st century and by working collaboratively with our staff and partners, including Burnley Borough Council, we hope to build upon our long-established history in Burnley and aim to continue to serve the town in our provision of legal services, long into the future”
Kate Ingram, Burnley Council Director of Economy and Growth said: "DRN have a rich history of providing first class legal services from Burnley. Awarding them a Burnley Business Excellence award is a fitting tribute during their centennial year in business"
Cherrytree Bakery Ltd – 40 years in business Cherrytree Bakery, founded in 1984 by current Managing Director Gary Entwistle, began with a single product and unique processing technology (you guessed it! It’s the Chorley Cake).
The early 2000s brought a shift as the coffee shop revolution inspired the company to innovate and expand. Through continuous investment, Cherrytree evolved into a market-leading supplier for coffee shops, retail, and foodservices.
Operating from their Burnley site, they now produce over 40 million sweet treats annually. Gary Entwistle, Executive Chair, Cherrytree Bakery was equally surprised and honoured at receiving an award: “I was certainly taken by surprise. I thought I was facilitating a visit of interest from Burnley Council & Economic Development. Nevertheless, it was an honour to receive recognition for 40 years in business, a journey that has had inevitable challenges, but one in which so much has been achieved and realised. Thank you all.”
Lukman Patel said: “What Gary and his incredible team at Cherrytree Bakery have accomplished over the past 40 years is nothing short of extraordinary. They epitomise the spirit of Burnley, transforming their company into a beacon of success that continues to flourish. It was an honour to present them with the Burnley Business Excellence Award. Of course, they hold a special place in my heart as my second favourite bakers, right after my beloved 9-year-old daughter!”
Councillor Lubna Khan added: “It has been a privilege to celebrate these remarkable businesses. Althams, DRN, and Cherrytree Bakery have shown what can be achieved through dedication and innovation. Their contributions to Burnley are invaluable, and we are proud to recognise their achievements.