Blackburn BID launch the Be Surprised Awards

A new awards scheme has officially been launched at the Blackburn BID’s (Business Improvement District) annual general meeting to celebrate excellence amongst the area’s business community.

The Be Surprised Awards scheme, created by the Blackburn BID and backed by the Business in Community Healthy High Streets team, promotes and celebrates the achievements of local businesses.

Blackburn’s Healthy High Streets team, which includes representatives from Boots and Marks and Spencer, presented the first two awards at the AGM for exceptional customer service and event organisation.

Event organiser and artist, Kerris Casey-St.Pierre, was pleased and honoured to be presented with an award for her involvement in the organisation of Blackburn’s annual lantern parade in December 2015.

She said: “It was really encouraging to have my work on the lantern parade and the Festival of Light recognised. The whole event was truly a team effort and a community event. It made me proud to be part of Blackburn.

“The awards are a really good way to celebrate and recognise achievements within the town and I hope it encourages other businesses in the town to participate in future events.”

Organisers of the Blackburn Cathedral Flower Festival nominated the Premier Inn team for a ‘Be Surprised Award’ after receiving excellent customer service at the modern hotel on several occasions.

Marie England, Cluster General Manager for Blackburn Town Centre Premier Inn, said: “I’m really proud of the team at Blackburn Town centre and we are delighted to have been nominated by the Cathedral Flower Festival for this fantastic award – to win it was a great achievement for our newly recruited team. We have only been open since November, so for such a new team to already be delivering the excellent customer service our guests expect from Premier Inn is fantastic. We look forward to getting to know the local community in the future and to build on our existing relationships and reputation across the town.”

The Be Surprised Awards, which also celebrate the changing visitor experience in the town, will continue to be awarded to individuals and businesses by the Healthy High Streets team throughout 2016.

Manager of the Blackburn BID, Harriet Roberts, said: “It’s important to recognise and reward local business as they are the backbone of our economy by creating jobs and strengthening our high streets and communities. We will continue to celebrate and showcase the achievements of our independent and big-brand businesses throughout the year.”