Burnley-based Bar-Be-Quick, pioneers of the instant barbecue, are glowing with civic pride after the Lancashire town was named the most entrepreneurial area of the UK in 2013.

Parent company Rectella has maintained production in Burnley for 27 years, despite overseas competition, to show its support for the town.

Caroline Hoare, national account manager at Bar-Be-Quick said they were proud to be part of Burnley’s bustling business community. “It’s a fantastic place to be based thanks to its hard-working people, great transport links and entrepreneurial spirit and we’re looking forward to being part of the exciting changes that are on the horizon.”

The accolade, awarded through the government’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, recognises and celebrates the range of business, enterprise and economic development work that has reshaped Burnley’s reputation.

Councillor Julie Cooper, leader of Burnley Council, told the BBC: “This is fantastic news for Burnley. We are punching above our weight and we have big ambitions. Burnley is well on its way to forging a strong international reputation as a centre of excellence for manufacturing, particularly in the aerospace industry.”