Between them, they contribute to the economic and social wellbeing of the county through their local spending, jobs and taxes, but their efforts often go unseen.
That’s the view of Norman Tenray, chief executive of Longridge-based building supplies business OBAS UK, who says the BIBAs are a fantastic way to recognise the otherwise unsung heroes of the Lancashire business community.
His firm is sponsoring the much-coveted Business of the Year Award in 2023.
He said: “I doubt that many residents could name more than a handful of the county’s businesses beyond the bigger and better known ones, and yet there are tens of thousands of them, all busy beavering away, trading at home and abroad, showcasing all that’s great about Lancashire, and creating and sustaining employment for local people.
“Right now, many will be finding it tough thanks to pressures like energy costs and inflation, but, as usual, they’re toughing it out and showing their resilience.
“It’s amazing, and their successes really do deserve to be celebrated, which is exactly what the BIBAs are all about and why I’m looking forward to being involved in the competition again this year both as a sponsor and a judge.”
Another sponsor is BAE Systems, which is again, for the 7th year running, supporting the Apprentice Team of the Year Award.
BAE Systems has a longstanding and respected apprenticeship and graduate programme that is well known across the region which bridges the gap between education and work, providing on-the-job training from our experienced professionals, funded qualifications and a full-time salary.
Adam Withenshaw said: “Our apprenticeships ensure we retain, and continue to improve our critical capabilities, whilst also playing a part in securing the future of Lancashire’s young people.
“We invest heavily in education, skills and early careers activities and have recently doubled the type of apprenticeship programmes that we offer, including options to study up to degree and masters level. Every one of these programmes provides the strongest start to what we hope will be a long career with us.
Awarded to an apprentice or an apprentice team who can demonstrate outstanding commitment to their continuing development, whilst also making a positive difference to their employer and the wider community, Adam explains what the judges are looking for: “Alongside gaining new academic and on-the-job skills, we looked for specific evidence of candidates going the extra mile to make the most of the opportunities afforded to them during their apprenticeship.
“We wanted to find an exemplar that can inspire others to consider the apprenticeship route whilst also showing employers that aren’t already taking on and training apprentices just what they’re missing out on.”
The closing date for entries this year is the 31st March 2023.