The Digital E Commerce Award went to the Bolton Gin Company, based on Hampson Street in Horwich.

Though the company’s representatives could not be at the ceremony in person, they have since thanked everyone who has supported them.

A statement said: “Who would have thought the lil ol ‘ Bolton Gin Company would be an award winner.

“So sorry we couldn’t be there.

“Thank you to everyone that voted and thank you to everyone who has followed and supported us over the years.”

The awards were held at a ceremony at the Bolton Whites Hotel last week, hosted by comedian and writer Shazia Mirza and opened by Bolton News regional editor Richard Duggan.

The audience was also addressed by keynote speaker, Bolton Council leader Nick Peel.

Cllr Peel said: “Reading the shortlists we can see representatives from the hospitality sector, advanced manufacturing, digital innovation, and professional services to name just a few.

“This wide range of sectors shows the depth of business expertise we have here in Bolton, and why we have such a strong and diverse local economy.

“We have a lot to celebrate. Bolton’s annual economic output is £4.6bn a year, our excellent transport links put 60 per cent of UK businesses within two hours of Bolton, and developments like Logistics North mean more and more big names are choosing to base themselves in our borough.”

He added: “As customer behaviours change, town centre retail is declining across the UK, and we know businesses of all kinds are feeling the impact this is having on the high-street.

“But we are not standing still while this happens.

“We know that we have to reimagine or repurpose our town centres.

“We are investing in regeneration across the borough and working with our partners to create the vibrant, exciting, and prosperous neighbourhoods that all businesses will benefit from.”