Finalists announced for Sub36 Awards

The finalists in the Sub36 Awards 2026 have been unveiled. 

The awards celebrate Lancashire’s emerging business talent, recognising individuals under 36 who are already making a difference across the county, as well as business and new business categories which are led by those under 36. 

Winners across 14 categories will be announced at an awards ceremony at Park Hall Hotel in Chorley on Friday 16 October. 

Ahead of the event, the finalists will make their case to a panel of judges through a presentation and question-and-answer session in September. 

The categories cover a wide range of industries, professions and career stages. From apprentices and future leaders to entrepreneurs, engineers, creatives and business owners, Sub36 shines a spotlight on the next generation helping to drive Lancashire forward. 

The awards are sponsored by Park Hall Hotel, Amplify Business Success, 24hr Healthcare and the Lancashire Skills and Enterprise Hub. 

Richard Slater, publisher of Lancashire Business View, said: “We decided to bring back the Sub36 Awards this year and, having seen the exceptional calibre of entries, I’m glad we did. 

“Our finalists represent the future of our business community and are already achieving great things.” 
Winning a Sub36 Award can make a real difference to the careers of young people across Lancashire. 

Pauline Wild won a Sub36 Award in 2015 and is now managing director at Forbes Solicitors. She said: “The award gave me a huge boost in confidence and encouraged me to step forward as a leader. 

“It also raised my profile, opening doors to new opportunities and connections. Most importantly, it reinforced that I was on the right path and inspired me to keep pushing forward.” 

Dave Walker, managing director of Rawtenstall-based digital marketing agency +24, was named Young Lancastrian of the Year in 2019. 

He said: “For businesses, seeing young team members win is a major stamp of quality. It signals that you are a hub for talent and innovation. 

“It’s more than just an award. It’s a powerful validation of your team’s future potential.” 

Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Joanne Hindley at [email protected] or 07442 949697.  

Finalists in full 

Apprentice Development Award
Andrea Nelson, Fresh Perspective Resourcing, Chorley
Dean Jelley, Helmrig, Leyland
Megan Pritchard, Burnley College, Burnley
Vicky Taylor, Fresh Perspective Resourcing, Chorley

Business Award 
Abigail Taylor, Bloomin’ Accounting, Preston 
Jacob Knowles, Empine Group, Darwen 
Janis Saveljevs, JJS Supplies, Preston 

Customer Service Award 
Danielle Fleming, Fresh Perspective Resourcing, Chorley 
Janis Saveljevs, JJS Supplies, Preston 
Panashe Madhlambudzi, Events by Nashe, Lancaster 
Riaz Halleron, Nybble.co.uk, Blackburn 
Tayyib Jaffar-Ali, Sustainable Building Services, Skelmersdale 
Tyler Clarke, Fresh Perspective Resourcing, Chorley 

Digital and Tech Award 
Daniel Broderick, Nybble.co.uk, Blackburn 
Daniel Jackson, Like Technologies, Lancaster 
Lewis MacCallum, VARS Technology, Blackpool 

Early Career Apprentice Award 
Caitlin Wickham, Fresh Perspective Resourcing, Chorley 
Emily Dexter, Financial Affairs Insurance Solutions, Brierfield 
Francis Gilbraith, Watson Ramsbottom, Blackburn 
Grace Slater, The Moorings Bakery, Blackburn 
Levi Lee, Helmrig, Leyland 
Tom Hepworth-Harvey, Nybble.co.uk, Blackburn 

Employee Award 
Anna Panaro, Fairstone, Ormskirk 
Bianca Heap, 24hr Healthcare, Burnley 
Charlotte Jolliffe, Prolight Concepts UK, Colne 
Cheryl Ashcroft-Ferguson, Fresh Perspective Resourcing, Chorley 
Chris Nightingale, Financial Affairs Insurance Solutions, Brierfield 
Ellie Noon, Anthem Engagement and North West Employee Engagement Group, Accrington 
Kate Slack, VARS Technology, Blackpool 
Becky McInnes, Nybble.co.uk, Blackburn 

Energy and Sustainability Award 
Christopher Roberts, Roberts Electrical Solutions, Whitworth 
Colin Elcock, Like Technologies, Lancaster 
Lucia Arnone, Vital Synergy, Read 
Niamh Allen, Sustainable Smart Technologies, Rawtenstall 

Engineering and Manufacturing Award 
Ben Lupton, CoolKit, Blackburn 
Garfie Cheung, Bryden Precision Engineering, Clitheroe 

Leader Award 
Charlotte Jones, Brysdales, Chorley 
Daniel Frampton, Acumen Financial Partnership, Preston 
David Dunwell, Lancashire Mind, Leyland 
Erin Kelly, Red Rose Drylining, Darwen 
Leanne Hignett, Advocacy Focus, Altham 
Beth McBlain, Vital Synergy, Read 
Robyn Amy Lee, La-Z-Boy Manufacturing UK, Colne 
Sally Johnson, Like Technologies, Lancaster 

Marketing and Creative Award 
Katie Shepherd, fulfilmentcrowd, Chorley 
Lauren Rankine, Two Stories, Lancaster 
Lewis Nelson, Wiserr, Chorley 
Margaret Speight, North Star Projects, Lancaster 
Rachael Watts, Fresh Perspective Resourcing, Chorley 
Sophie Henrys, Farleys Solicitors, Padiham 

New Business Award 
Alice Potter, AJP Social Studio, Blackpool 
Bridget Brown, Your Vehicle Rental, Old Langho 
Ciara Mairead Moriarty, The Performance Studios, Lancaster 
Grace Slater, The Moorings Bakery, Blackburn 
Harvey Wilkinson, Cotton Group, Burnley 
Lolly Molyneux, Lolli Writes, Colne 
Mike Curley, TOLIFE LIMITED, Blackburn 
Nicole Valentine, Nava Accountancy, Haslingden 

Professional Services Award 
Andy Kirkaldy, PM+M, Blackburn 
Camille Pollitt, Financial Affairs Insurance Solutions, Brierfield 
Emily O’Keefe, The Calico Group, Burnley 
Jack Bentham, RSM, Preston 
Lucas Thornley, Cortus Advisory Group, Preston 
Megan Billington, Farleys Solicitors, Blackburn 
Megan Leach, PM+M, Blackburn 
Tom Anderson, Fresh Perspective Resourcing, Chorley 

Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Award 
Callam Hartley, White Bull, Oswaldtwistle 
Leyton Hargreaves, James’ Place, Clitheroe 
Lydia Dickinson, Euphoria Dance, Kirkham 
Sarah Lockwood, Stanley House, Blackburn 

Sub 36 Lancastrian Award 

The finalists for this award will be announced on the evening of the Sub36 Awards.