Sowena backing the ‘Deal of the Year’ category at this year's Red Rose Awards

A new category in this year’s Red Rose Awards will recognise the biggest deals around Lancashire over the past 12 months. 

The 16th annual awards will be held at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on March 12 next year celebrating the best in the county. 

The ‘Deal of the Year’ is being sponsored by Sowena Group and it recognises Lancashire businesses that have successfully completed a significant transaction – whether acquiring another company, being acquired, undergoing a MBO or transitioning to an employee ownership model (EOT). 

Perran Cooke, chief executive of Sowena, said: “I’ve seen first-hand the number of incredible deals that are happening in Lancashire, from private equity-backed growth to founder-led MBOs, and strategic acquisitions that are reshaping entire sectors.  

“We wanted to shine a light on the people and businesses behind those moments. 

“The ‘Deal of the Year’ award will do exactly that and we’re proud to be driving the conversation around what great looks like in this space.”

Sowena sponsored the medium business category last year and they were excited about supporting the Red Rose Awards again.

Perran said: "We were privileged to hear from a group of amazing businesses and gain real insight into their growth, challenges and aspirations."

Richard Slater, chairman of Lancashire Business View, said: “We are always determined to make the awards bigger, better and more relevant to our business community. This new award is part of that continual improvement process. 

The Red Rose Awards will be opening for nominations on September 1.

The awards are sponsored by: Barclays, Chorley Council, Farleys Solicitors, Forbes Solicitors, Harrison Drury, High Court Enforcement, Pierce, PM+M, Sowena Group and Viva.

The awards are also supported by: Big Tank, Community Foundation for Lancashire, Merchandise4Impact, Peter Scott Printers, Shout Connect, The Fun Experts and The Royal Dyche.

For more information about sponsorship options email sales director Joanne Hindley on [email protected] or telephone 07442949697.