Forbes Solicitors have recognised several Burnley businesses in its second Reinvention and Resilience Report.

Low Carbon Energy Co, Birchall Foodservice, Crow Wood, Recycle IT, Fagan & Whalley and EFS Global have all made the Forbes Top 50, whilst Pendle’s Barnfield Construction also made the list.

Out of the seven, six are Burnley Bondholders. Burnley Bondholders is a private sector led, private/public partnership dedicated to raising the prosperity and profile of the borough; an innovative and successful scheme which has been growing for ten years and is made up of over 200 members. In short, Burnley Bondholders are passionate about the benefits of being based in Burnley and where the borough is heading.

The report details those North West businesses that have innovated and diversified during the past 12 months.

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Rachel Bayley, Burnley Place Brand Manager, said: “We are thrilled that Burnley businesses make up such a large proportion of the Top 50 – especially as most of these are also Burnley Bondholders. Just like Burnley’s success on the 2020 inaugural Top 50, everyone has rolled up their sleeves and pulled together during the past year.

“We’ve not only seen how resilient the borough’s businesses have been, but also how many are coming back stronger. It’s fantastic news for our business community and wider borough.”

You can read the full case studies of how Burnley businesses proved innovative and resilient during the global pandemic here.

Some of case studies include Low Carbon Energy Co, which has not only seen businesses looking for ways to save money but, also a new-found environmental awareness.

Business enquiries have increased by 145% in the past 18 months and turnover will hit £5m next year.

“I think, through the process of Covid, public awareness of sustainability and climate has changed,” director of Low Carbon Energy Co Ged Ennis said.

“There has also been a genuine shift towards reducing the cost of running businesses, and we’re in a good place, as a result.”

Oliver Burton, chief executive of Forbes, said: “As the business world begins to move into the next chapter, it’s clear that these leaders have made some big decisions. Their companies will emerge from this period looking very different. They will be better prepared for the future and the challenges they will face. But I also know that many people still have their sleeves rolled up. They have been working hard to shore up their operations and look after their people. To change a business once in two years is a lot, but to change again and again is unprecedented.”