Pendle Business Awards to celebrate world-leading companies

Pendle companies are now starting to submit their entries to Pendle Business Awards 2014.

www.pendle.gov.uk/businessawards

Dennis Mendoros, chairman of Pendle Vision which is organising the awards jointly with Pendle Council, said: “We’ve already started receiving some excellent entries which is really exciting for the team organising the event. There are still a number of weeks to enter but don’t leave it until the last minute. We want you to be part of our celebration of the borough’s world-leading and innovative local companies.”

Nelson-based Businesswise Solutions won the New Business of the Year Award in 2012, marking a milestone in the company’s early success story. The cost reduction and procurement management business was set up in April 2010 when directors Frazer Durris and Dean Cockett spotted a gap in the market.

Frazer said: “We set up during tough economic times, without bank funding and without any savings or investment to see the company through the first few tough months. Yet, despite the odds being against us we have enjoyed impressive profits year on year, without reliance on external funding and healthy reserves exist to ensure future growth can continue to be funded.

They needn’t have worried, as the judges were hugely impressed with their business model, its wealth of clients and commitment to employing staff from the local area, so much so, they gave them the winning vote.

Last year, Businesswise began to expand upon its existing business model in order to facilitate future growth and access new areas, with energy procurement, cost reduction and auditing being the key focus areas for 2014.

This year the Awards’ judges will shortlist entries in early March and visit the successful businesses in March/April so entrants can present their case for winning an award.

They will be invited to attend a dinner, at the Dunkenhalgh Mercure Hotel in Clayton Le Moors on Friday May 16th.

This will be organised by event management company Gregory AV which won the contract to co-ordinate the evening.

Councillor Joe Cooney, leader of Pendle Council, said: “Each year our events have continued to grow and we’re delighted to showcase the best of Pendle’s businesses again. Our involvement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to our business community and our desire to recognise outstanding achievements.”