A shortlist of nearly 100 Lancashire businesses in contention for this year’s much-sought-after Red Rose Awards trophies has been revealed.
One winner in each of the 22 categories up for grabs will be announced on stage at a glittering, black tie ceremony held at the iconic Winter Gardens Blackpool on Thursday 14 March.
A special prize, the Lancashire Business View Award, will also be awarded on the night to one of the finalists.
But before any prizes are handed out, every nominee will be given the chance to make their case to a panel of judges during two days of face-to-face presentations in February.
Lancaster University, a global top 100 institution, has returned as the judging partner, providing support which enables the awards to maintain a comprehensive and impartial judging process. Audit, tax and consulting firm RSM, another key supporter, has now completed the validation stage,
Some awards represent the best of the county’s key sectors, from built environment to tourism, while others recognise specific achievements, such as scaling up, transformation and excellence as an employer.
Categories ranging from micro business to large business, as well as not-for-profit and family business award means businesses of all size and sector are in with a shot.
New for 2024 is the Outstanding Collaboration Award for those that have worked in partnership to achieve a shared goal.
The winner of each category will receive a bespoke trophy specially crafted by PDS Engineering – but that’s only the start of the journey. Each company will also be invited to an exclusive peer-to-peer mentoring network, where they will be able to meet, ask questions and share advice with fellow winners over the next 12 months.
Red Rose Awards is once again supported by Forbes Solicitors, headline sponsor every year since the awards were launched in 2011, and Barclays, headline sponsor for more than a decade.
Stephen Bolton, managing director of Lancashire Business View which hosts the awards, said: “The Red Rose Awards has become a firm favourite in the Lancashire business calendar and 2024 is proving to be another incredible year.
“Reading through the entries, there are so many inspiring stories that we can’t wait to share. The shortlist contains household brands which everyone will know, sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with others that will be new to many people.
“At this stage, everyone is in with a chance. It’s all about putting your best case forward to our panel of judges and we wish everyone the best of luck.”
Tickets are currently available to shortlisted companies before the remainder go on general sale.
Pauline Rigby, managing partner at headline sponsor Forbes Solicitors, said: “As always, the standard of the businesses putting themselves forward has been outstanding and a testament to the quality of businesses we have here in the county.
“Agreeing a shortlist is always incredibly difficult but we look forward to meeting and congratulating the finalists in person.”
John Stanworth, head of corporate banking in Lancashire and Cumbria at headline sponsor Barclays, said: “The entries for the Red Rose Awards are once again of the highest calibre. Selecting the finalists has been a very difficult job indeed and those that have made it through to the judging stages should be very proud.
“We look forward to meeting them on the judging days and celebrating the success of the wider Lancashire business community on the big night in March.”
Chris Lowerson, Lancaster University’s partnerships development manager, said: “Congratulations to all the remarkable finalists of the Lancashire Red Rose Awards 2024! Your outstanding achievements and unwavering dedication are a testament to the vibrant and dynamic business landscape in the Lancashire region.
As one of the judges representing Lancaster University, I am truly impressed by the innovation, resilience, and excellence displayed by the finalists. Your contributions not only elevate your respective organizations but also enrich the entire Lancashire community. Best of luck to you all for the big night – may your success inspire others and pave the way for a future filled with continued growth and prosperity. Cheers to the Red Rose Awards and the extraordinary businesses that make Lancashire shine!” Red Rose Awards Finalists”
Built Environment Award
Sponsored by Harrison Drury Solicitors
Cavity Extraction, Leyland
David Cox Architects, Preston
Forbo Flooring Systems, Bamber Bridge
Fox Brothers Group, Blackpool
Gosling Consulting, Chorley
Tawd Valley Developments, Skelmersdale
Commitment to Skills Award
Sponsored by ELE Advanced Technologies
Brysdales, Chorley
Calico Group, Burnley
Education Business Partnership (NW), Accrington
Jam Coding, Blackburn
nybble.co.uk, Blackburn
Service Care Solutions, Preston
Customer Service Award
Sponsored by Napthens Solicitors
Alcidion, Burnley
Compass Fuel Oils & Lubricants, Penwortham
Cover My Bubble, Oswaldtwistle
ROCCIA, Preston
The Wellbeing Farm, Edgworth
Trident Utilities, Blackpool
Design Award
Sponsored by Peter Scott Printers
Fruity Llama, Darwen
Jellymedia, Blackpool
LANX Group, Whalley
North Product Design, Leyland
Root Fifty Two, Burnley
StudioLWD, Poulton Le Fylde
Digital Award
Sponsored by Pierce
Alcidion, Burnley
Bigtank Productions, Ramsbottom
Complete. Online, Blackpool
nybble.co.uk, Blackburn
RKMS Group, Blackpool
Synergie Software, Blackburn
Employer of the Year Award
Sponsored by Cube HR
Altius Group, Preston
Delta Care, Preston
Pendleside Hospice, Burnley
Service Care Solutions, Preston
Staci, Blackburn
VEKA, Burnley
Environmental, Social and Governance Award
Sponsored by Community Foundation for Lancashire
Dennis Eagle, Blackpool
Fox Brothers Group, Blackpool
nybble.co.uk, Burnley
RecycleIT, Burnley
Senator International, Accrington
The Wellbeing Farm, Edgworth
Export Award
Sponsored by PM+M
Brysdales, Chorley
Dennis Eagle, Blackpool
MattressTek, Rossendale
North Star Projects, Heysham
Science In Sport, Blackburn
Senator International, Accrington
Family Business Award
Sponsored by Farleys Solicitors
Buckhurst Plant Hire, Waterfoot
Fence Gate, Burnley
Isentra, Chorley
Pure Leisure Group, Carnforth
ROCCIA, Preston
Seaways Services, Simonstone
Health and Wellbeing Award
Sponsored by Alcidion
Delta Care, Preston
Domiciliary Home Care Services, Burnley
North West Air Ambulance Charity, Blackburn
Pendleside Hospice, Burnley
Six Connections, Burnley
Spring North, Blackburn
Large Business Award
Sponsored by Forbes Solicitors
Forbo Flooring Systems, Bamber Bridge
Fox Brothers Group, Blackpool
Science In Sport, Blackburn
Service Care Solutions, Preston
ST&R, Chorley
Staci, Blackburn
Made in Lancashire Award
Sponsored by Barclays
Allan J Hargreaves Plant Engineers, Thornton-Cleveleys
Centaur Technologies, Preston
CoolKit, Blackburn
Dennis Eagle, Blackpool
Forbo Flooring Systems, Preston
Senator International, Accrington
Medium Business Award
Allan J Hargreaves Plant Engineers, Thornton-Cleveleys
Altius Group, Preston
Chiptech, Lancaster
EWGA Wines, Carnforth
LCM Environmental Services, Burnley
Sustainable Building Services, Skelmersdale
Micro Business Award
Sponsored by Chorley Council
1st Look Fire and Security Systems, Nelson
Alston + Donnelly Architecture, Lancaster
Bid Writing Services, Chorley
Forward Thinking for Business, Brockhall Village
Nook, Chorley
The Ref Stop, Chorley
New Business Award
British Jewellery School, Scorton
Essential Sourcing, Blackburn
HSE Advice UK, Lancaster
Play and Bee, Poulton Le Fylde
Verta Golf, Clitheroe
White bull, Oswaldtwistle
Not-for-profit Award
Chorley Youth Zone, Chorley
Lancashire Mind, Chorley
North West Air Ambulance Charity, Blackburn
Spring North, Blackburn
St Catherine’s Hospice, Preston
Unique Kidz and Co, Morecambe
Outstanding Collaboration Award
Sponsored by Partners&
Active Lancashire, Leyland
Burnley College, Burnley
Jellymedia, Blackpool
Leighton Hall Estate, Carnforth
Meet Blackpool, Blackpool
The CREATE Education Project, Chorley
Professional Services Award
Sponsored by Porsche Centre Preston
Becketts FS, Poulton Le Fylde
Eventus Recruitment Group, Lancaster
Innovator International, Preston
Napthens Solicitors, Preston
RKMS Group, Blackpool
TP Financial Solutions, Heysham
Scale-up Award
Sponsored by Cube Thinking
Cavity Extraction, Leyland
Chiptech, Lancaster
LANX Group, Whalley
Sid Hill Transport, Thornton
ST&R, Chorley
Sundown Solutions, Accrington
Small Business Award
Sponsored by Fox Group
Education Business Partnership (NW), Accrington
LANX Group, Whalley
Root Fifty Two, Burnley
TCB Designs, Burnley
VisionsLive, Lancaster
Viva, Rawtenstall
Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Award
Sponsored by Porsche Centre Preston
Fence Gate, Burnley
Morecambe Sparkle CIC, Morecambe
Pure Leisure Group, Carnforth
The Midland Hotel, Morecambe
The Wellbeing Farm, Edgworth
Winter Gardens Blackpool, Blackpool
Transformation Award
Sponsored by University of Central Lancashire
CoolKit, Blackburn
LCM Environmental Services, Burnley
Let’s Abode, Preston
Napthens Solicitors, Preston
Six Connections, Burnley ST&R, Chorley
