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
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
Lucia Arnone, 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 Financial Planning, 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 Financial Planning, Blackburn
Tom Anderson, Fresh Perspective Resourcing, Chorley
Apprentice Development Award
Andrea Nelson, Fresh Perspective Resourcing, Chorley
Dean Jelley, Helmrig, Leyland
Megan Pritchard, Burnley College, Burnley
Vicky Taylor, 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.
Enjoyed this? Read more from Dan Clough















