Partner and Head of Napthens’ Commercial Division, John Whittingslow said:  “We are looking forward to celebrating the achievements of local companies in the magnificent surroundings of Avenham Park.  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 2012 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, 15 BIBAs are up for grabs and well over a 1000 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 Napthens 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 handcrafted 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.

John concluded by saying “ Building on the huge success of  previous years,  the  BIBAs 2012 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.

Two categories that are attracting intense interest are Small Business of the Year and Green Business of the Year.

Organisers, North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce have ruled that Applicants for Small Business of the year will be judged on business growth and performance, business strategies and innovation, business challenges and competitiveness. To qualify, businesses must have 50 employees or less and been in business at least three years. Eligible businesses must also be based in Lancashire.

Norman Tenray, Managing Director of OBAS UK, sponsors of this year’s award said “We are delighted to be sponsoring Small Business of the Year Award. Small firms play a vital role in creating wealth and boosting economic growth and this award will reward a company that has grown in profitability and potential.

“We will be searching for businesses which have excelled in their field, punching above their weight and demonstrating passion, growth, and commitment. We expect this to be a popular category, with dozens of worthy entries vying to be on the short list”.

Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce reported the awards have already attracted intense interest within the business community, with entries flooding in. She added “ All 16 awards have something for everybody – from individual entrepreneurs to small and medium sized companies, to the major corporates”.

Also proving popular is Green Business of the Year, sponsored this year by Leyland based Global Renewables. This award has been developed to recognise best practice relating to business and the environment. The winning company will be seen as an exemplar in this field and is able to demonstrate innovative initiatives in reducing their carbon footprint.

Judges will be particularly interested in environmental initiatives which the business can demonstrate such as best practice in Waste Management, Recycling and Energy Efficiency initiatives.

Greg Spetch of Global Renewables said: “We believe that paying due consideration to the environmental impact of any commercial venture is one of the most pressing issues facing business leaders today. Global Renewables corporate values are firmly rooted in green initiatives and by supporting the ‘Green Business of the Year category’, we aim to recognise those organisations which have embraced a green way of doing business and share our deeply held respect for nature.

” The BIBA’s are free to enter and there’s a wide selection of categories to suit every business. Entering enables you to benchmark yourself against other companies and 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 Deadline for entries is 30th March 2012.

The BIBAs are set move from its traditional Blackpool home to this purpose built temporary structure in order to provide additional capacity to what is expected to be a sell out event. Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, organisers of the BIBAs said: “ We’re delighted that the BIBAs will take place in Preston next year. Ordinarily Blackpool plays host to the ceremony because there are few venues elsewhere in the county that are large enough to accommodate such a large number of guests.

“However, with the focus being on Preston during 2012, we’ve investigated all options and are happy that the Victorian splendor of Avenham Park would suit the BIBAs and are delighted to announce it is our chosen venue.

A star line of sponsors are again supporting the BIBA’s 2012 with Leading Chartered Accountants, Moore & Smalley the latest joining the prestigious line up.

Commenting as to the reason why Moore & Smalley is backing the BIBAs 2012, Danny Houghton, Business Development Partner  said  “Supporting businesses and promoting inward investment are key priorities of Moore & Smalley  and there can be no better way of celebrating  success than by staging an event of this magnitude.  The BIBAs are the  highlight of the business calendar and we are looking forward to the most successful awards programme yet.  We hope that even more companies than ever will participate in BIBAs 2012”.

So whether you are entering the competition, or simply want to be part of the Preston Guild Business Celebrations now is the time to guarantee your places.  Book on line  now to take advantage of our early bird discount.

Over recent weeks we have proudly unveiled some of our 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 of 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 the awards during a very important year for Preston”.

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

Also remember, if you’re intending to stay over, please book you hotel room(s) well in advance as tens of thousands of visitors are expected to visit Preston to celebrate Guild Week. Special BIBA rates have been negotiated with Holiday Inn, The Legacy and the Preston Marriott Hotels. Please call the Chamber for reservation instructions

Joining the line-up of sponsors for the first time, is reigning Business of the Year, Danbro. Explaining why the award winning management accountants are supporting next year’s celebrations, Managing Director, Damian Broughton said:     

“The BIBAs provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase Lancashire’s business excellence, highlighting the strength and vibrancy of the Lancashire business community. 

“It’s a competition that searches for businesses which have excelled in their field, punched above their weight and demonstrated passion, growth, and commitment.  So supporting the BIBAs 2012 has been an easy decision to make”.  

So whether you are entering the competition, or simply want to be part of the Preston Guild Business Celebrations now is the time to guarantee your places.  www.thebibas.co.uk

Describing the reasons why Napthens are backing the BIBAs,  Ian Leigh, Chief Executive of Napthens said “As a Lancashire based firm advising and working alongside a wide range of businesses, we were keen to be involved in an event that applauds the hard work and achievements of those in the Lancashire business community.  

“The BIBAs have really become the hotly anticipated awards to win - and with the the Gala dinner incorporating the 2012 Preston Guild Business Ball, Napthens is delighted to support what will be an exciting celebration of local business success.”

Tickets are already in high demand.   Be sure to book a table today to avoid disappointment and celebrate this momentous occasion with your customers, colleagues, suppliers and friends.  www.thebibas.co.uk

We are  privileged to have the backing of some of the top businesses operating in Lancashire including leading Preston PR and marketing communications consultancy, Freshfield.

 Asked why Freshfield is giving its support to the BIBAs 2012,  Managing Director, Simon Turner responded:  “Freshfield is extremely proud to be associated with the BIBAs and all that this awards programme represents.  There are many successful businesses in Lancashire from small niche operators to national and international brands and it is important we recognise their achievements.

“The awards can inspire other companies and encourage entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.  Events like this are a great opportunity to celebrate real success stories and reward the people behind them. The BIBAs 2012 will also have a strong Preston Guild focus so it represents a perfect opportunity for us to support and celebrate the Guild with our business community.”

The BIBAs 2012 are  again heralding another search for the top companies inLancashire. Being the  highlight ofLancashire’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 excellence in Customer Service and Manufacturer of the Year.

EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE, sponsored by Virgin Trains  is  open to all companies and  will go to the organisation that best demonstrates that it has the customer at the heart of its business and organises and manages its resources to most effectively meet the needs of its customer base.

Jane Cole, General Manager of Virgin Trains, based atPreston, said: ” We are delighted to be again the official sponsor of the BIBAs 2012. Customers have a choice of supplier and customer service is vital in the process of building loyalty. Businesses that deliver good customer care will have systems for monitoring good service and measuring results. This category has been developed to recognise companies with a focus on delivering exceptional customer service and care.

“This category encourages entries from any business, team or organisation that can demonstrate established and measurable systems for monitoring service standards and we aim to identify and encourage enterprising organisations that really do put the customer first”.

Another popular award is Manufacturer of the Year which during this significant year is supported by a unique partnership of Euravia, Barnfield Construction and Farmhouse Biscuits.  Spokesman of the sponsors partnership Phillip McIver said “We are delighted to support 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 2012 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 thatLancashireis 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 ofLancashire”.

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 ongoing 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 who fulfill 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

Two categories which are particularly popular this year are Entrepreneur of the Year and Creative Business of the Year.

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR is aimed to identify an individual from the local business community who has used great acumen to succeed and grow.  A person with real drive and ambition who’s made an impact on the local community is what we’re looking for and there are plenty out there. 

Judges will be looking for an individual who had demonstrated business success with creativity, flair and real determination. 

John Chesworth,  from Preston based legal experts, Harrison Drury, sponsors of this years award says:  “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. 

“Harrison Drury  is extremely proud to be associated with the BIBAs and all that it represents.  There are many successful and talented business people in Lancashire and highlighting their achievements can inspire other companies and can even motivate budding entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams”. 

CREATIVE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – One of the fasting growing industry sectors  in Lancashire  is being honoured again in this years celebrations.   Ranging from digital media and performing arts to music and arts-related tourism— a growing number of the region’s entrepreneurs are building business opportunities through their creativity.

 Sponsoring this years Creative Category is Lancashire Business Channel,   Kara Rose, joint managing director 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”.

Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce added “The BIBA’s are the  highlight of the business calendar and we are looking forward to the most successful awards programme yet!” 

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.