Pendle’s prestigious Business Awards are back!

The Awards recognise the most promising and fastest growing businesses in the borough as well as the people behind them.

And Pendle Business Awards 2012 promises to be an event not to be missed.

Launched jointly by Pendle Vision and Pendle Council, the Awards will celebrate our innovative local companies which despite the difficult economic climate are continuing to thrive.

Dennis Mendoros, OBE, DL, FRAeS, Chairman of Pendle Vision and Managing Director of Euravia Engineering and Supply Co Ltd, explained:

"I know that despite the economic climate we're operating in there are some fantastic success stories in Pendle.

"This is a great platform for us to put Pendle in the spotlight and show what we're made of!

"There are nine categories to choose from. Whether you're a micro company with a specialist trade, a growing small to medium-sized business or a large company with a worldwide reputation, there'll be a category for you."

The awards ceremony will be held at the Arts, Culture and Enterprise (ACE) Centre in Nelson on April 27 and will once again be a very prestigious evening.

Those shortlisted will join a select group of Pendle's most successful businesses.

Winners will receive a Pendle - an elegant glass and metal sculpture inspired by Pendle Hill, engraved with their name and the award category. And all shortlisted businesses will receive a framed certificate.

Councillor Mike Blomeley, Leader of Pendle Council and Chairman of Pendle Partnership, which oversees the work of Pendle Vision, added:

"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.

"Seize this opportunity and help us fanfare your successes and celebrate what you've achieved!

"In these difficult economic times we want to shout about all the good things in Pendle."

Eligible businesses will be able to apply online on

The judges will shortlist entries in February and visit the successful businesses in February/March so entrants can present their case for winning an award.

All shortlisted companies will be invited to attend the dinner at the ACE Centre.

Award sponsors will announce the winners and present trophies in a glittering Oscars-style ceremony.

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

Alison Abbott, General Manager from Pennine Events, said: "Pendle Business Awards is fast becoming a really significant event for the local business community and we're glad to get on board.

"We'll be making sure the awards ceremony runs smoothly and it's a night to remember for all involved!"

Timeline

• 9 January - Entries open
• 10 February - Entries close
• 22 February - Judges announce shortlisted businesses
• February/March - Judges visit shortlisted businesses
• 27 April - Awards ceremony

Categories

• Business Person of the Year
• Environmental Business of the Year
• Pendle Business Technology and Innovation of the Year
• Most Outstanding Medium/Large Business of the Year (30+)
• Most Outstanding Small Business of the Year (10-30)
• Most Outstanding Micro Business of the Year (0-10)
• New Business of the Year
• Small Retailer of the Year
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year (under 30 years old)
• Lifetime Achievement (Chairman's Award)

Visit www.pendle.gov.uk/businessawards between 9th January and 10th February 2012.

Sponsors

• Pendle Vision

Judging panel

• Councillor Allan Buck, Pendle Vision Board member
• Kevin Clark, Chief Executive, Pennine Lancashire Enterprise Trust
• Kelley Eardley, Business Support and Development Officer, Pendle Council
• Imtiaz Shah, Employer Engagement officer, Pendle Council
• Philip McIvor, Farmhouse Biscuits
• Saj Butt, 3B Systems
• Pendle Council
• Barnfield Construction
• Euravia
• Printoff Graphic Arts
• Merc