Freshies Awards honour inspirational North West businesses

The Freshies Awards have recognised the achievements of  businesses and personalities from across the North West in 17 categories.

This year's awards ceremony, the third time it has been held, played out in front of an audience of 320 at Rivington Barn.

The Freshies are a not-for-profit awards celebration run by Chorley-based recruitment business Fresh Perspective. The event retained its more informal format with a pizza buffet, entertainment and dancing.

Having submitted their application, including a video entry on why they should win for the judges to consider, the 17 winners fought off intense competition from successful entrepreneurs across the North West to scoop the prize:

• Triumphant Trailblazer – Andrew Powell, Healthier Heroes CIC
• Marketing Magnifico – Sarah Cooper, Strongdor
• Most Treasured Team – The Anderton Centre
• Positivity Pioneer – Tony Greenwood, Beartown Brewery
• Captain Kindness – Jenna Atkinson, Harrison Drury
• HR Hero – Penny Jones, Penny Jones HR
• Wellbeing Warrior – Liam McBride, WhysUp
• Nifty Networker – Liz Hardwick, DigiEnable
• Best Business - Strongdor
• Brilliant Boss – Lisa Sourbutts, Cube HR
• Charity Champion – Charlotte Knowles, Elektec
• Customer Service Superstar – YOLO Wellbeing
• Notorious Newcomer – Voice It PR
• Inspiring Innovator – Vernacare
• Exceptional Entrepreneur – Dave Scholes, Six Connections
• Planet Protector - Reeds Refillery
• Shining Star – Rachel Saunders, Sunstone HR

Laura Leyland, managing direcor of Fresh Perspective Resourcing and organiser of the awards said: “With the Freshies, we move away from the norm; we host an event that is not just fun and engaging but with categories that are unique to us too."

Thanks to our incredible venue, Rivington Barn, our event had personality and an incredible atmosphere that saw people dancing the night away, enjoying pizza and celebrating each other’s success.”

The event raised money for four charities close to the heart of the Fresh Perspective team; Back Up North West, Trust House Lancashire, The Anderton Centre and the Endeavour Project – all of which will now receive an equal share of £16,500.

Emily added: “We are humbled to have once again had so much support for our third Freshies Awards and want to thank everyone who entered and attended.

"The Freshies is a truly fantastic event celebrating the incredible success stories seen across the North West. The awards highlight the dedication that everyone has for their business and whether you were a finalist or a winner, you should be proud of your achievements.”