Companies are being judged in 16 categories – with all the winners securing a handcrafted limited edition of the BIBA statue by, Queen’s Award Winning Sculptor Charles Hadcock. A further round of interviews will take place during June where judges will decide the winners of this year’s competition.

Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce said “Once again these awards are being held as Lancashire’s major business competition to promote and showcase local business success.

“The BIBAs 2013 is privileged to have the voluntary services of distinguished business experts who serve as our judges. Each panel will include different specialisms and they have been invited to serve due to their experience, business acumen and knowledge. They are fully independent and therefore provide the programme with its rigor and strength”.

Lis Smith, Principal and Chief Executive of Preston College, who this year are again sponsoring the Employer of the Year category, said: “We are delighted and proud to be supporting this event. It provides an ideal opportunity to meet over 1000 of the leading figures in the Lancashire business community.

“As one of the major employers in the area, Preston College is proud to be sponsoring Employer of the Year. As a leading training and education organisation, we recognise that people are the bedrock of any business and we must ensure that they have the necessary skills required for the future. This Award helps both to promote this and to recognize and reward some of the great practice which takes place in Lancashire.

“The PR opportunities that surface for finalists and winners are enormous. The recognition, heightened profile and networking opportunities can be a huge confidence boost for businesses and their people, which is important in this climate.”

The exciting culmination of the BIBAs will take place at the glittering awards ceremony on 20th September 2013 at the Blackpool Tower

Places for the star-studded awards ceremony are in high demand. To ensure your places are confirmed, click on to www.thebibas.co.uk

This year the BIBAs promises to be the most sought after corporate celebrations packed with the cream of Lancashire’s business community. Hailed as the “one they all want to win” the BIBAs 2013 has attracted an exceptional level of entries from many of Lancashire’s top performing companies – over 1000 entries were submitted, 20 sponsors have pledged their support, 16 BIBAs are up for grabs and well over a 900 guests are expected to attend on the night.

The BIBAs 2013 is supported by a star line up of sponsors. The extent of this support has helped the BIBA’s to be the most recognisable and important endorsements of corporate and individual achievement in Lancashire.

Martin Long, chair of Blackpool Business Leadership Group, sponsors of the BIBAs, said: “We are delighted to be involved in an event that showcases business and enterprise right here in Blackpool. This competition is about celebrating business excellence and engendering a mood of confidence, particularly among small to medium enterprises.”

Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, organisers of the BIBAs said “Some of our most successful companies have a BIBA to their name and we believe there are plenty more businesses out there which are ready to join this prestigious list.

Successful applicants who have made it to the shortlist list will be informed of this on Friday. The shortlist for public viewing will be available exclusively for LEP readers in next week’s LEP Business Supplement.

Tickets are available through the BIBAs all new web site at www.thebibas.co.uk or by calling 01772 653000.

Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce organisers of the BIBAs, reported the awards have attracted intense interest within the business community, with over a 1000 entries having been submitted . She added “These awards were created to recognise and reward excellence and to encourage success to a new generation of business leaders. That makes the awards a natural part of our overall business support programme and reflects our obligation to recognising the very best of business operating in Lancashire. We are eager to celebrate not only achievements, but business values, vision, strength, and a will to build lasting success.

Over recent weeks the BIBAs have proudly unveiled some sponsors and this week there is no exception. Lancaster University Management School joins the proud line up. Providing an insight as to why the University has pledged its support, Dr. Ellie Hamilton, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies explains: “The BIBAs provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase Lancashire’s business excellence, highlighting the strength and vibrancy of the Lancashire business community and its valued contribution to the country. Lancaster University Management School is delighted to be a supporter of these awards.

Tickets will be in high demand and that is why the website is open to take advanced bookings. Be sure to book a table today to avoid disappointment and celebrate this momentus occasion with your customers, colleagues, suppliers and friends.

Danny Houghton, Partner at Moore & Smalley said “We are looking forward to celebrating the achievements of local companies in the magnificent surroundings of the Blackpool Tower. We are proud to play a role in supporting an event that not only recognises local excellence but also plays a vital part in using local businesses to supply services and products to these awards”.

Hailed as the “one they all want to win” the BIBAs 2013 has attracted an exceptional level of entries from many of Lancashire’s top performing companies – over 1000 entries were submitted, 20 sponsors have pledged their support, 16 BIBAs are up for grabs and well over a 900 guests are expected to attend on the night.

Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the organisers North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce added “We are delighted that Moore & Smalley are supporting this year’s event. They join a star line of sponsors and the extent of this support has helped the BIBAs to be the most recognisable and important endorsement of corporate and individual achievement in Lancashire.

“Winning a BIBA shows that your business really has made it. The race is on to be amongst the winners and become the proud recipient of a hand crafted limited edition BIBA statue”.

BIBA winners will benefit from the extensive regional profile and publicity the competition receives. Along with being acknowledged as one of the county’s top companies at the ceremony packed with the cream of Lancashire’s business community.

Danny concluded by saying ” Building on the huge success of previous years, the BIBAs 2013 is set to be an even grander showcase of the best of Lancashire business”.

Tickets for the event are now on sale and can be booked online at www.thebibas.co.uk or by calling 01772 653000.

As a key event in the Lancashire business calendar, the BIBAs provide an important opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of Lancashire’s leading companies and business people.  The growth of the awards in stature as well as popularity is a testament to the quality and achievements, both locally and nationally, of Lancashire’s business community

A popular category in the competition is BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR – sponsored by UCLan which recognises business women who prove leadership and excellence in local business organisations.  The winner of this award will have an impressive track record that will reflect her approach to follow best management practices.  The recipient’s achievements will demonstrate professional accomplishments, business leadership and contributions to the community.  In this award the judges will be looking in particular for:

• Business Achievement
• Evidence of innovation
• Growth
• Strong financial performance

Finance Director of UCLan, Deborah Reid, said “The BIBAs provide an excellent opportunity for local business women to be recognised by their peers and professional advisors.  The local business community across North and Western Lancashire is vibrant and fast-moving and this is reflected in the quality of applicants for these awards.

The BIBAs are designed to recognise the best of business in achieving fundamental success such as growing turnover, profits and job-creation.  These awards are also aimed at rewarding inventive and strategic excellence as well as market place impact and measurable business initiatives”.

Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce said:  ”Recognition is a major motivational influence. Winning a BIBA will have an immediate impact on any business and its employees.”

The BIBAs are free to enter and there’s a wide selection of categories to suit every business. Entering offers any striving business the chance to receive widespread recognition.

So if you and your company have something to be proud of, then this is your ideal opportunity to do something about it.

Apply on line at www.thebibas.co.uk or simply call 01772 653000 for further information.

The BIBAs 2013 are once again heralding another search for the top companies in Lancashire. Being the highlight of Lancashire’s business year, the BIBAs  create an ideal opportunity for local firms to celebrate their Talent, Success and Achievements. There are sixteen award categories to enter and the categories recognise excellence across a number of areas including Manufacturer of the Year.

Manufacturer of the Year is supported again by Euravia, Barnfield Construction and Farmhouse Biscuits.  Spokesman of the sponsors partnership Philip McIvor, Chairman of Farmhouse Biscuits said “We are delighted support of the BIBAs as this awards programme continues to be an excellent platform to demonstrate our interest in and commitment to Lancashire’s manufacturing base.

“We recognise that many businesses are operating under very difficult market conditions. However Lancashire has many resilient and enterprising businesses, as has been reflected in the quality and very high standard of entries received each year.

“As the 2013 BIBAs fast approach, our hope is that many businesses will take time to submit an entry. Successful entries send out a strong signal of your competitive strength within the marketplace and demonstrate that Lancashire is winning through difficult trading conditions. These are testing times and it has never been more important to draw attention to the high achievers who contribute so much to the business life of Lancashire”.

Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce said:  “The BIBAs have gone from strength to strength in the last decade, showcasing the achievements of businesses of all sizes and types.

“It is wonderful to see so many companies which refuse to let the on-going economic challenges distract their focus and I believe these awards will help give them the recognition they so justly deserve.”

The awards programme is free to enter and there’s a varied   selection of categories to suit every business. Businesses of any size and operating in all industry sectors that fulfil the criteria are encouraged to put themselves forward for one or more of the 16 awards categories. Simply apply on-line at www.thebibas.co.uk

Sponsoring this year’s Creative Category is Raising the Roof Productions, who’s Managing Director Mark Oulson-Jenkins said “The creative industries play an ever-increasing role in the economy. In the North West, the number of new and developing creative businesses is expanding rapidly. Whether it be social media, design, fashion or jewellery design, photography, marketing, pottery or fine art, the creative sector is booming and is certainly well represented in the region. We are delighted to be sponsoring what I am sure will be a hotly contested award and we wish all entrants the very best of luck.

Organisers of the BIBAs, Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce added “We have some very pioneering and resolute businessmen and women who are leading the way, not just locally but internationally and we want to salute their success.

“The BIBAs are viewed as the leading honour for businesses. Over the years the competition has recognised a top line up of businesses from leading blue chip companies to brand new ventures, with past winners reading as a Who’s Who of the Best of Lancashire Businesses.

“The BIBA’s are the highlight of the business calendar and we are looking forward to the most successful awards programme yet!” The BIBA’s are free to enter and there’s a wide selection of categories to suit every business. Entering offers any striving business the chance to receive widespread recognition.

So if you and your company have something to be proud of, then this is your ideal opportunity to do something about it. Apply on line at www.thebibas.co.uk or simply call 01772 653000 for further information.

The BIBAs  are designed to recognise the very best of businesses that achieve fundamental success such as growing turnover, profits and job creation.  These awards are also aimed at rewarding inventive and strategic excellence as well as market place impact and measurable BUSINESS initiatives.

E Business of the year  sponsored by ORBIT INTERNET has been developed to recognise outstanding commercial success through the use of the world wide web.  The award will be presented to the winning businesses as testament to their innovative and creative use of eBUSINESS.

Judges will be particularly interested in the way in which businesses use the internet for:

• Online exposure
• Web Site design and usability
• Customer engagement
• ROI

Neil Snape Managing Director of sponsors ORBIT reinforced the company’s commitment to this award by saying “ Business will be put to the test by our respected panel of entrepreneurs and experts who will decipher the innovators among the business community. It is a simple, cost-effective and efficient way to achieve recognition for the achievements of the magnificent businesses we have in the county. We want businesses to prove to the world that their  business is exceptional, fast growing and a household name of the future.  With 16 categories to enter, this is an excellent opportunity  to be recognised as the very best in their industry

“Our aim is simple. We want businesses in Lancashire to flourish and grow, and in turn, contribute to the region’s prosperity. We are delighted to be sponsoring the BIBAs 2013 for E Business of the year  and look forward to the entries and results”.

Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce reported the awards are attracting intense interest within the BUSINESS community.  Babs said “We are fortunate to have such a well-known range of sponsors, and are particularly pleased to have a strong judging panel of business leaders, whose innovation and search for excellence reflects many of the standards we are looking for from our local business community. The thorough judging process will guarantee that all businesses entering will be striving to attain high standards of service and adopting the very best  business practice.   The areas future success and wealth is reliant on the strength and energy of its local business community”

The BIBAs are  free to enter and there’s a wide  selection of categories to suit every business.

If you have what it takes to impress the  judges, click on to www.thebibas.co.uk and share your success story.  To qualify, businesses must be based or have an office or franchise within the county of Lancashire.

Deadline for entries is 5.00pm Friday 29^th March 2013

LEADERSHIP TEAM OF THE YEAR has been especially developed in recognition of the superb leadership qualities that many businesses in Lancashire have displayed over the years. This year the contest will get tougher as the competition hots up. Businesses applying for this category must be able to demonstrate outstanding leadership and motivational qualities.

This award acknowledges and celebrates leadership within businesses and recognises prominent professionals whose work has had a significant and positive impact on their business and its employees.

Judges will be looking for that special something and in particular:

• People skills

• Vision

• Mentoring and cultivating the next generation

This year The Via Partnership (Via) has chosen to sponsor the Leadership Team of the Year Award. Karen O’Donoghue, Chief Executive of Via said: “The BIBAs and particularly sponsorship of the Leadership Team of the Year category is a great opportunity for us to promote and support excellence in business, and put something back into the region. As a former BIBA winner and finalist, we know how demanding the standards are. Good leadership is critical to business success and we want to honour the best with this award.”

The BIBAs are designed to recognise the very best of business that achieve fundamental success such as growing turnover, profits and job creation. These awards are also aimed at rewarding inventive and strategic excellence as well as market place impact and measurable business initiatives.

Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce organisers of the BIBAs, reported “The awards have already attracted intense interest within the business community, with entries continuing to flood-in.” She added “These awards were created to recognise and reward excellence and to encourage success to a new generation of business leaders. That makes the awards a natural part of our overall business support programme and reflects our obligation to recognising the very best of business operating in Lancashire. We are eager to celebrate not only achievements, but business values, vision, strength, and a will to build lasting success”.

The BIBAs are free to enter and there’s a wide selection of categories to suit every business.

So if you and your company have something to be proud of, then this is your ideal opportunity to do something about it. Apply online at www.thebibas.co.uk or simply call 01772 653000 for further information.

Closing date for applications is 5.00pm Friday 29th March.

The BIBAs 2013 are again heralding another search for the top companies in Lancashire. Being the highlight of Lancashire’s business year, the BIBAs create an ideal opportunity for local firms to celebrate their Talent, Success and Achievements. The BIBAs are now viewed as the leading business honour for businesses, and as they enter their 12th year, applications are beginning to flood in.

As the global economy becomes increasingly important the BIBAs are supporting local businesses involved in International Trade.

The BIBA for Exporter of the Year is devoted exclusively to recognising excellence in international trade achievement. Recognising the strength of Lancashire business overseas, this category focuses on International Trade in relation to business success in existing markets, market development and entries into new markets. The judges will be looking for dedicated activity in this arena and in particular:

• Research

• Developing existing markets

• Expanding into new markets

• Training & languages

Chairman of the International Trade Judging Panel, Clive Drinkwater, International Trade Director for UKTI North West, said: “In recent years the North West has been growing faster than England as a whole and has climbed from seventh to third place in terms of export activity, and UKTI are here to make sure we are in a position to capitalise upon this growth by raising the standard of international trade support and improving the competitiveness of our companies in the global market.”

“Research commissioned by UKTI shows that firms that export are more efficient and innovative, and have a better capacity for absorbing and applying new knowledge, and UKTI are here to help companies maximise their overseas potential with a range of services including tailored advice, practical assistance and support to participate in trade missions, seminars and overseas events.”

Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, organiser of the BIBAs said: “The Chamber is well known for its commitment to supporting companies engaged in International Trade. This award is shaped to recognise and reward excellence and to encourage success in Export. That makes the BIBAs a natural part of our overall business support programme and reflects our obligation to reward the very best of business operating in the global market place. We are eager to celebrate not only their achievements, but business values, vision, strength, and a will to build lasting trading relations.”

The BIBAs are free to enter and there’s a wide selection of categories to suit every business.