Anticipation builds for 1,100 Red Rose Awards hopefuls

With little over 24 hours to go, and the countdown clock ticking away, the county's businesses are eagerly awaiting the 2018 Red Rose Awards.

The awards ceremony will honour the most ambitious, innovative and successful businesses in Lancashire, with the winners in each of 26 categories remaining a closely guarded secret.

Click here to see the finalists for 2018.

More than 1,100 tickets have been snapped up by business owners, employees and distinguished guests to celebrate the winners, dine with colleagues, and enjoy a fun, Lancashire-sourced entertainment package.

Richard Slater, publisher of Lancashire Business View magazine which hosts the Red Rose Awards, said: "The winners have been decided, the music carefully selected, the trophies engraved and the script has been fine-tuned.

"All around the county, more than 1,100 of our friends and colleagues are unwrapping their best dresses and dinner jackets and topping up their business cards.

"There is a real buzz around the county as we get ready to learn more about the businesses on our doorsteps, to find out the incredible things they are doing on a local, national and international stage, and to cheer on the lucky few who will be called up on stage to collect their award."

In keeping with a theme of celebrating Lancashire, guests will dance along to local musicians and eat locally-sourced food provided by local caterers.

Sponsors of the awards are: Forbes Solicitors, Barclays, UCLan, 3ManFactory, Barcadia Media, Bespoke Digital Agency, Bespoke Healthcare, BGF, Birchall Foodservice, Bizspace, Blackburn & The Fylde College, Business Enterprise Trust, Cassons, EPSL Educational Printing, Eventus Legal, Global, Harrison Drury Solicitors, James’ Places, Leonard Dews, LHR, Marketing Lancashire, Mattioli Woods, Mayes Accountants, Mint Business Travel, Napthens Solicitors, Northcote at the Rovers, NWEEG, Peter Scott Printers, Porsche Centre Bolton, Recycling Lives, Rosebud and Mercia Fund Managers, RSM, Slater + Gordon, StoneHouse Logic, Sunshine Events, Tailor Made Sourcing, Themis, VEKA, Visit Blackpool, WEC Group and With a Twist.

The charity partner for Red Rose Awards 2018 is Cash for Kids and funds will be raised at the awards event to support their work in Lancashire.

Richard Slater added: “The Red Rose Awards wouldn’t be possible without the help of our many wonderful sponsors, judges and suppliers.

"Their support and expertise is what helps us provide the best possible platforms to share successes and promote trade with Lancashire businesses." Last year, the event trended nationally on social media, bringing the spotlight onto the county.

To stay up with the action on Thursday night, follow #RRA18