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Previous Winners

12th August 2008.

I felt I should write to express my thanks for inviting me to the launch of the BIBA's 2009. As a finalist in 2008 for the Independent Retailer Award I have nothing but positive things to say about the BIBA's.

Just completing the entry form in itself really made me think about the award and answering the questions made me think about my business and all its facets. Going through to the interview stage was fantastic and the whole process really made me seriously sit and evaluate my business NOW and how I wanted it to look in the FUTURE. Rarely in business do small businesses get an opportunity to critically evaluate their performance to date but more importantly what you want to achieve in the future. The BIBA's certainly gave me renewed confidence and a re invigorated plan for the future.

I personally believe that any business of any size will gain something from just entering the awards, I might also say that smaller businesses may benefit far more from their bigger rivals as I have already stated we rarely have the opportunity to carry out such an appraisal of our businesses.

I should also state that we had a fantastic evening at the award ceremony itself at that great Northern Venue of the Tower Ballroom Blackpool, I decided to take my family including my children who are always coming second to the business the whole evening was a tremendous event and a great success as well as showcasing Lancashire Business at its very best. Once again I thank you personally for persuading me to "have a go" the whole process proved to be of great advantage to my business and it was also an extremely enjoyable process, and award ceremony.

Yours Sincerley,

Joseph Hall
Hall's Bakery

Growing a business from nothing is a daunting affair, there’s so much to think about during the first twelve months and so much to do. It takes hard work, courage and also the ability to multi task especially when the business is developed by one person alone.

“I was absolutely elated to win the BIBA for Young Entrepreneur, I felt really proud. Not only was it testament for all my hard work, but a real sense of achievement. It also helped me to thank everyone, including family and friends, who had supported me in the early days.

Winning the BIBA has given my business a significant boost with companies and associates taking us much more seriously now. Competitors and suppliers definitely now realise that Supplement Solutions is a business to watch in the future.

The BIBAs are so refreshing in that they honour and reward those companies and individuals who work hard to achieve business success.

I would urge any business / individual to enter, to even make the short list is an achievement in itself….but to win is absolutely amazing!”

Hannah Crook
Supplement Solutions

Having secured some local government funding towards a £35 K building modernisation in April 2007, we were invited to apply for the BIBA's 2007 by the funding body after they'd ascertained a complete picture of our business structure and our commitment to improvement via reinvestment.

The on-line entry form was comprehensive but far from daunting. It did make me think of our business in a different light, I began to think about, what makes us stand out from the crowd? How could we do what we do, better? Why would people buy this product from us rathen than ***Ltd. accross the road?

I was informed that we had reached the final four businesses in the category we had entered and sunsequently invited for an informal interview at the Chamber headquarters in Fulwood. The judging panel were brilliant at relaxing me and were generally interested not only in the passion I have for our business, but the plans and visions we have for future growth and expansion.

Finals Night March 2008

I would recommend anyone to attend this event, it is known as the "Business Oscars", follow this link to see why.

The venue, the layout, the format are all Hollywood inspired, add to that, an entertainment mix of Tony Hadley (ex Spandau Ballet), throw in some Steven Bayliss to give the night a taste of local talent. I can quite honestly say, one of the best nights of complete all round entertainment I've ever experienced. My one regret, apart from just missing out of the award, is that I didn't reserve more tickets for colleagues and key account customers.

We weren't successful on this occasion, but we'll be entering again this year with even more passion to succeed at winning the best of the best in Lancashire and the prestige and recognistion that follow that award.

The BIBA's: don't take my word for it, have a look at the website listed above and enter for 2009. Can your business afford not to?

Andrew Pyke
On behalf of Ribblesdale Auto Electrics Ltd.