Pendle Business Awards launches Friday

Businesses can soon enter this year’s Pendle Business Awards, with the online application form live from Friday January 10th until Friday 21st February.

Simon Mellin, co-owner of Roaming Roosters, won Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2012, and will be helping to judge entries. Simon, 27, and his brother Nick, 25, set up Roaming Roosters at the end of 2009 and their business is one of Pendle’s great success stories.

“It all started when my brother, then a butcher at my dad’s shop in Every Street in Nelson, noticed an increasing demand for free range chickens from customers,” explained Simon.

Chicken soon expanded to beef, pork and lamb due to popular demand, particularly from Southern based customers looking for quality meat at reasonable prices.

Describing how they feel their business is going, Simon added: “Both myself and Nick believe 100% in the brand and what it stands for. We just thought we may have a way to go in convincing others the same – but that hasn’t been the case.

“When we first started out there were two members of staff – me and Nick – now we have 52!

Since winning a Pendle Business Award, Roaming Roosters has won five other regional awards and a national one.

The business was also a finalist in the National Business Awards for its High Growth.

Simon added: “I was really proud to be asked to judge in Pendle Business Awards 2014. It’s fantastic to have something like this in Pendle which recognises what businesses are doing locally. I’d encourage all businesses to apply. Entering is really straightforward and winning the award certainly helps to secure your place in the area as a successful business.”

Councillor Joe Cooney, Leader of Pendle Council, said: “It’s really great to see how much a new company has flourished. They spotted a gap in the market and have now got a very local customer base all over the country. We wish them every success in the future.”http://www.pendle.gov.uk/businessawards