The applications are in… now the journey really begins!
Behind the scenes, the hundreds of applications are being sifted and sorted as a shortlist is drawn up for the 20 categories for this years Be Inspired Business Awards (BIBAs).
Once again there has been an incredible response from Lancashire’s diverse business communities – from low carbon to leisure and manufacturing to micro – it’s now time to sort out the best of the best.
And businesses that have entered the awards won’t have to wait too long to find out if they’ve made the cut—shortlisted companies will be announced on 28th April, marking another step on their journey towards one of the most sought-after accolades in Lancashire’s business community.
While some battle it out for Business of the Year – sponsored by headline sponsor Lancashire County Council – others will test their mettle for the 19 other awards, all to be handed out on Friday, 19th September at Blackpool’s iconic Tower Ballroom.
But before then, the shortlisted companies will be grilled by a panel of judges at North End Events on 15th May when all categories will be under one rood for the first time.
With the spotlight firmly on them, shortlisted businesses will need to demonstrate their excellence, innovation, and leadership to impress the judges and stake their claim for a BIBAs trophy.
Babs Murphy, chief executive for the North & West Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, who organise the BIBAs, said: “Once again, the Lancashire business community have shown up in their droves and applied for the BIBAs – this year’s competition looks to be one of the most diverse we have ever had.
“We’ve had applications from businesses who have been long-term entrants but, more than ever, we have received them from companies who have something unique to offer. It just goes to show the breadth of organisations we have in this county.
“Now the awards steps up a notch though and we begin to find out who really has what it takes to take home one of these trophies.”
Once the interviews are over, the final step for the finalists is a visit from the judges to their businesses where they have a chance to show off before a decision is made.
And then the wait for a winner is almost upon us.
To find out more about the judging process, visit www.thebibas.co.uk