Pendle News Room

Eight businesses entered the category and their staff were asked to answer questions about their employer.

Questions looked at the flexibility of their employer, whether they have the right equipment to do the job, how supported they feel they are by their colleagues and employer and whether they have access to training and development.

The judges assessed the responses and shortlisted the following three companies:

• Stanley House Veterinary Group
• Sanderson Dance & Fitness
• Harvey Environmental Services.

Hanna Latty, Business Development Officer for Pendle Council, was one of the judges.

She said: “It was fantastic to hear from the employees directly.

“Their feedback shows that they think extremely highly of the companies they work for and feel valued.

“It was a tough category to shortlist because all of the entrants were strong contenders.”

Pendle Business Awards, jointly organised by Pendle Council and Pendle Vision Board, has fast become one of Lancashire’s most prestigious events in the business calendar.

It’s all about putting the spotlight on the borough’s businesses which are market leaders in their field.

And it's being supported by many local companies and organisations which are sponsoring the event, including Farmhouse Biscuits, Training 2000, Barnfield Construction, JD Engineering, Merc Aerospace, Nelson and Colne College, KM Business Solutions, Boundary Mill, Daisy Communications, Svenska Handelsbanken, Pendle Rise Shopping Centre and Printoff.

The ceremony is going to be held at the luxurious Fence Gate Inn on Thursday June 9.

Winners will once again receive the coveted Pendle trophy – an elegant glass and metal sculpture inspired by Pendle Hill. It will be engraved with the winner’s name and the award category.

The trophies have been designed and created by local company Merc Engineering.

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council, said: “Our shortlist is now complete and we’re working hard behind the scenes to make sure this year's ceremony is a night to remember.”

You can find out more about Pendle Business Awards - www.pendle.gov.uk/businessawards

Notes to editors

Shortlist:

Pendle Business Person of the Year

Glenn Stock – Unique Clean

Jane Cleaver – Concept 4/Printoff

Jackie Sanderson – Sanderson Dance & Fitness

Pendle Employer of the Year

Stanley House Veterinary Group

Sanderson Dance & Fitness

Harvey Environmental Services

Pendle Most Outstanding Business of the Year – medium/large 51+

The Sovereign Group

Matthew Kibble Transport Ltd

Richard Wellock and Sons Ltd

SIS (Science in Sport) PLC

Pendle Most Outstanding Business of the Year – small 11-50

Giddy Kippers

Riggs Autopack

Denwa

Kedel Ltd

Pendle Most Outstanding Business of the Year – micro 1-10

Unique Clean/Glenn Stock

James Bontoft Optometrist

Weighing Scales Ltd

Pendle Rising Star of the Year (operating 0-2yrs)

CrossFit Pendle

Little Blossoms of Barrowford Ltd

No 62

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (person under 30yrs)

Haroon Yousaf – Stylz Hairdressing & Training Academy

Sally Wellock – Sally’s Pasta Ltd

Sebastian David Hadfield – Pendle Nu Tech Ltd

Pendle Apprentice Employer of the Year

Hughes & Co

Matthew Kibble Transport Ltd

Little Blossoms of Barrowford Ltd

Pendle Business Technology & Innovation of the Year

Loft Leg

Kedel Ltd

SIS (Science in Sport) PLC

Pendle Manufacturer of the Year

Riggs Autopack Ltd

Sugden Ltd

S Dawes Weaving Ltd