Red Rose Awards finalists announced

Almost 100 businesses have earned a place in the final round of the Red Rose Awards 2023, the UK’s biggest regional business awards.

After rigorous selection processes, six companies in each of the 21 categories will now be invited to Burnley FC’s Turf Moor on February 8 and 9 to present their cases in person to independent judging panels.

The panels, consisting of business leaders from various sectors across Lancashire, will hear the case of every finalist before agreeing their winner in each category.

Those names will be kept a closely-guarded secret until the awards ceremony itself on March 9 at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

An audience of more than 1,000 is expected at the finale of the awards programme, which is now in its 13th year of celebrating the most innovative, impactful and successful Lancashire businesses.

The categories up for grabs include sector-specific awards such as digital, professional services and tourism. There are awards for specific achievements, such as customer service and scaling-up, and three new awards for 2023: the transformation award, commitment to skills award and one recognising the best of environmental, social and governance (ESG).

Each of the companies on the shortlist has been assessed for suitability by global top 10 auditing specialist RSM.

Karen Musgrave, office managing partner for RSM Preston, said: “We are very proud to be the validation partner for the Red Rose Awards this year. We have seen so many fantastic entries, from both familiar faces and future stars, showcasing the entrepreneurial and dynamic spirit of our region.

“We wish the best of luck to the finalists as they move on to the next stage and look forward to celebrating the successes of local businesses at the upcoming awards ceremony.”

Lancaster University, a global top 100 institution, is supporting the awards as the official judging partner.

Mark Rushforth, the university’s associate director of enterprise and innovation, said: “Lancaster University has a long history of working with and supporting businesses across the Lancashire region to innovate and grow. We recognise the hard work that organisations have been doing over the years, and we are both excited and proud to be the Red Rose Awards judging partner this year.

“We look forward to reviewing the entries and as well as the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all those who have taken the time to put themselves forward for this event.”

This year’s awards have again been sponsored by Forbes Solicitors, the headline sponsor every year since its inception, alongside Barclays, which has sponsored the event for each of the last ten years.

Pauline Rigby, managing partner at Forbes, said: “Shortlisting this year was incredibly difficult. The calibre of the businesses was outstanding and a testament to the quality of businesses we have here in the county.

“Congratulations to all, and we look forward to meeting them at the judging process which continues to be one of my favourite days in the business calendar.”

John Stanworth, head of corporate banking at Barclays in Lancashire and Cumbria, said: “The entries for the Red Rose Awards 2023 are of great quality and it’s been fantastic to see businesses that haven’t been involved before put themselves forward.

“It has been a very difficult job indeed and those that have been named finalists should be very proud. We look forward to meeting all the shortlisted businesses on the judging days and celebrating the success of the Lancashire business community on the big night in March.”

Stephen Bolton, managing director of Lancashire Business View which organises the awards, said: “As our partners have mentioned, the calibre of entrants and finalists this year is exceptionally high. We’re proud that we’re able to bring such a fantastic group of businesses together and showcase their achievements.

“The standard of competition is also why it’s important for us to have a thorough, impartial and credible judging process in place. That’s why alongside our headline sponsors, Forbes Solicitors and Barclays, we have RSM and Lancaster University leading the verification and selection process.

“Any business that wins an award can be especially proud knowing how tough it is to shine above all of their peers and to have their excellence recognised by the independent judging panel.”

The Red Rose Awards 2023 finalists are:

The awards are sponsored by Alcidion, Azets, Bigtank Productions, Burnley FC, Business Health Matters, Campbell & Rowley, Chorley Council, Community and Business Partners, Community Foundation for Lancashire, Cube Thinking, ELE Advanced Technologies, Four Recruitment, Fox Group, Harrison Drury Solicitors, Mattioli Woods, Peter Scott Printers, Pierce, PM+M, Porsche Centre Bolton, Porsche Centre Preston, Napthens Solicitors, Nybble.co.uk, Sales Geek, Serconnect, The Fun Experts, United Utilities, University of Central Lancashire and U Start Project.

The awards are supported by AMRC North West, RBC Brewin Dolphin, Daniel Thwaites, Mytton Fold, Partners&, Pink Link, Marketing Lancashire, Shout Connect and Winter Gardens Blackpool.

All finalists can be viewed on the awards website https://www.redroseawards.co.uk/event/finalists