Almost 200 people heralded “the new heroes of the Lancashire economy” at a great evening of celebration showcasing the rising stars of the county.
Blackpool’s Winter Gardens was the magnificent setting for the first Lancashire Business View Sub36 Awards which took place last night.
Sub36 was officially launched at BAE Systems’ new £15.6m Academy for Skills and Knowledge earlier this year after an appealing rebrand of Lancashire Business View’s ‘Young Uns’
The awards marked the achievements of remarkable men and women from across the county who are aged under-36 and setting the pace in the business world.
This year’s “Sub36 Superstars” included David Price, founder of property company 10ACIA, who picked up The Inspiration Award and the Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Gemma Harper was another double winner. Gemma, who works for mechanical engineer Hardy Services, was named Employee of the Year and received The Lifelong Learner Award Chris Smith of Pendle Engineering won the final category of the evening – The Sub36 Award chosen by Lancashire Business View.
He received the prestigious award from editor Ged Henderson and publisher Richard Slater, who said: “This winner, like all winners tonight, is ambitious and committed to the business and to the county.
“This winner embodies the spirit of Sub36 with a simple mantra of ‘Bring it on’.”
Speaking after receiving his award Chris, 30, said: “Taking part in awards like this is fantastic. The caliber of people here tonight is so high – just to be involved is great. To win is amazing.”
Earlier in the evening Richard Slater praised all the finalists and told them: “You are the new heroes of the Lancashire economy and we salute you all.”
He said the evening was a celebration of “the best of the best of the new breed of Lancashire business.” And he added: “You will make us thrive.”
“Our judges had a difficult job on their hands – congratulations to all of the winners, and finalists.”
Here is a full list of winners:
Apprentice Award: William Holmes, Printed Cup Company
Customer Relations Award: Hayley Wilkinson, Birchall Foodservice
Employee of the Year: Gemma Harper, Hardy Services
The Innovator Award: Owen Phillips, Ribcaged Productions
Inspiration Award: David Price, 10ACIA
The Lifelong Learner Award: Gemma Harper, Hardy Services
New Business Award: Carter’s Building Consultancy
Entrepreneur of the Year: David Price, 10ACIA
Sub36 Leadershp Award: Gabrielle McNamara, The Hyman Group
Young Lancastrian: Hannah Hughes, Harrison Drury Solicitors
The Sub36 Award: Chris Smith, Pendle Engineering
The awards evening was the culmination of a year of activities organised by Lancashire Business View under the Sub36 banner, all aimed at supporting younger people in the business world.
The awards were hosted by Robin Kershaw of award-winning DFC.
The event was supported by a host of top name sponsors including category sponsors: BAE Systems, Begbies Traynor, Business and Enterprise Trust, Fat Media, Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub and Limitless PR and Marketing.
Other supporters of the event included With A Twist, GetStaffed Solutions, The Guild Hall and The Villa@North End, Winter Gardens, DFC and Dewlay Cheese.
