Lancashire’s biggest celebration of business is to return for a 14th consecutive year and entries are now open.
The six-month awards campaign will culminate in a glittering, black-tie, one-of-a-kind prize-giving ceremony on 14 March 2024 at the iconic Winter Gardens Blackpool with an audience of more than 1,000 cheering on the winners and finalists.
Red Rose Awards is once again supported by Forbes Solicitors, headline sponsor every year since the programme began in 2011, and Barclays, headline sponsor for more than a decade.
Businesses of all sizes, sectors and stages of growth are encouraged to apply with more than 20 trophies up for grabs. There are categories for a broad spectrum of industries and achievements, including environmental commitment, community involvement and customer service.
New for 2024 is the Outstanding Collaboration Award and Lancashire Business View magazine, which stages the awards, will honour Lancashire businesses that have worked in partnership to achieve a shared goal.
To be in with a chance of winning, businesses must submit their nominations online before 8 December.
A shortlist will be announced on 22 January, before each nominated company is given the chance to present their case in person to a panel of independent judges who will decide on the 2024 winners on 7 and 8 February.
The winners will then be kept a closely guarded secret until the night itself, which has grown to become the highlight of the business calendar featuring the best of local food, drink and thrilling entertainment with the spotlight firmly on the finalists and winners.
Pauline Wild, managing partner at Forbes, said: “We are delighted to continue to back the biggest business awards in Lancashire as headline partner and we have done so since its inception 13 years ago.
“Our roots are firmly in Lancashire, and we are proud to be part of the Red Rose Awards ethos which champions the successes of the fantastic business community here.
“Over the years, the awards have given us the opportunity to meet and work with many businesses. As always, we look forward to hearing the stories of those that enter this year (and we encourage you to do so), meeting the finalists at judging and celebrating on the night!”
John Stanworth, head of Lancashire and Cumbria at Barclays, said: “We are once again very excited and proud to be supporting the Red Rose Awards campaign as headline partner.
“The awards are the highlight of the business calendar locally and give us the opportunity to promote our clients as well as the chance to give something back to the community.
“We encourage all businesses in Lancashire to enter – we can’t wait to hear your story and meet you at judging and on the awards night itself!”
Stephen Bolton, managing director of Lancashire Business View, said: “The Red Rose Awards event is back in the calendar for 2024 and we couldn’t be more excited.
“This is our 14th year and every year we always look forward to hearing the many incredible stories from Lancashire organisations.
“This great county is full of ambitious, exciting and inspiring businesses and we can’t wait to meet them and to share their successes with the world.
“The support for the awards campaign grows year on year and we consistently review, adapt and make changes to ensure it is fresh and relevant so we’re very excited about what this year will bring.”
Those looking to enter can find the key details and entry forms at redroseawards.co.uk