Blackburn with Darwen Business Awards Launched

The 2015 Hive Blackburn and Darwen Business Awards has been officially launched in association with Blackburn College and Capita with the aim of celebrating the best of business in the borough.

The black tie event will take place on Thursday April 30 at Blackburn Cathedral with entries now open for businesses across the Borough. Entries for all categories close on March 9.

Khalid Saifullah, chairman of the Hive Network and Director of local manufacturing firm Star Tissue UK, said: “The Hive business leaders network is pleased to announce that the inaugural Hive Blackburn and Darwen Business Awards is now open to businesses, organisations and individuals based in Blackburn and Darwen.

“It’s a great chance for all businesses in the Borough to shout about what they do and celebrate the extraordinary people working for them. We look forward to receiving entries and celebrating with everyone on the night.”

There are 12 awards in total; including the Hive Chairman’s Award and the Arte et Labore Award as well as the The Young Entrepreneur and The Bright Spark Award.

Other categories include; The Eureka Award, The Newcomer Award, The International Achievement Award, The High Growth Award, The Manufacturing Excellence Award, The Creative Agency Award, The Investing in the Future Award and The Enterprise in Education Award.

Coun Kate Hollern, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, commented: “We have an abundance of great businesses and talented business people in the Borough and the Hive awards will give the perfect platform to celebrate and promote that fact.

“It promises to be an exciting night at the beautiful Blackburn Cathedral.”

Nicola Clayton, director of business development and external engagement at Blackburn College, said: “We are delighted to be co-headline sponsor of these awards.

“As a college we work closely with many local businesses and are constantly witness to their achievements and what they do for the Borough. This is a great chance for them to get deserved recognition for that.”

Lee Conroy, operations director at Capita, the other headline sponsor, added: “We are proud to sponsor the Blackburn and Darwen Business Awards.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to develop closer relationships with local businesses and shout from the rooftops about the great things they are bringing to our local economy.”

Other sponsors include: Forbes Solicitors, Heritage Envelopes, Napthens Solicitors, Pierce Chartered Accountants, Precision Polymer Engineering (PPE), Ronset and Tauheedul Education Trust, with media partners including The Bee, Lancashire Business View and BBC Radio Lancashire.

Hive is a group of business leaders working together to inspire prosperity and is supported by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. More information about the Hive Blackburn with Darwen Business Awards and full details about each category and how to enter are available online at www.hivebusinessawards.co.uk.