More than 270 people recently packed Accrington Town Hall for the glitzy Hyndburn Business Awards, presented by Liz Pollard of Liz Pollard Consulting.
In their third year, the awards attracted a record 639 nominations and a cheer went up when Church based company, Emerson and Renwick Ltd, was announced as the winner of the Beacon Award. The team, led by Finance Director Andrew McLaughlan, was delighted to collect a bespoke crystal trophy, engraved by Alexis Valentine of Walking on Glass. Andrew said: “What makes this really special is the fact it is the centenary for our company.”
In the past few years, the business has grown from a workforce of 120 to 160, with more than 90 per cent of its products exported all over the world, putting Hyndburn firmly on the map.
Andrew added: “A key thing for us is that we are a local business, it doesn’t matter where we sell to, we are firstly a Hyndburn business and these awards are important for us to raise our profile.”
The Evonne Harwood Event of the Year award, sponsored by the Accrington Observer, was presented by News Editor, Stuart Pike. The award pays tribute to the businesswoman who died last year and in whose honour it is named. The winner was decided by a public vote on Facebook and the J Drinkwater Tournament 2017, organised by Globe Bullough Park Football Club, was selected. The event attracts 124 teams aged under six to under 16 from across the country to play two hectic days of football.
Next year is the 10th anniversary and Chairman Graham Roberts said: “It is an honest tournament and not all about winning. It is about children of all abilities being about to play football. This trophy is not for us, it is for all the children who play in the matches.”
A lovely meal was provided by Accrington and Rossendale College, before the 17 trophies were handed out in a slick ceremony.
Winning the Pride of Hyndburn Award was Accrington Lions Club and President May Edmundson, who hands over the chains next month to Richard Gibson, said it was the highlight of her year.
She said: “For our club to win the Pride of Hyndburn Award is absolutely amazing. It will mean so much to our members who are always doing things for other people. It is very special.”
Rob Carder, of awards’ organiser Enterprising People, said: “Each year, the awards get better and better and the entrepreneurship we discover in Hyndburn and the amazing success stories, make these awards extra special and a pleasure to organise.”
The 2018 Hyndburn Business Awards winners
The Beacon Award winner – Emerson and Renwick Ltd
Large Business – sponsored by Haworths Chartered Accountants – winner CMAC Group
Small Business – sponsored by North Lancs Training Group – winner Sundown Solutions Ltd
MicroBusiness – sponsored by Business and Enterprise Trust – winner Pure Perfection (Accrington) Ltd
Sole Trader – sponsored by Liz Pollard Consulting – winner Amelia’s Boutique
New Business winner sponsored by CMAC Group Best Destinations
Food Business – sponsored by WHN Solicitors – winner Perfect Plaice
Creative Business – sponsored by Globe Enterprises – winner My Colourful Memories C.I.C.
B2B – sponsored by lovelocalnetworking – winne
Tourism Business – sponsored by Oswaldtwistle Mills Business and Conference Centre – winner Haworth Art Gallery
Independent Retailer – sponsored by North West Logistics Ltd – winner Wyvern Pharmacy
Made In Hyndburn – sponsored by Sundown Solutions Ltd – winner Direct-
Customer Friendly Business – sponsored by The Cardboard Box Co – winner Rhoden Manor Cattery
Not for Profit Award – winner Accrington Stanley Community Trust
Apprenticeship – sponsored by AccRoss – winner Advocacy Focus
Pride of Hyndburn – sponsored by Acorns of Lancashire – winner Accrington Lions Club
The Evonne Harwood Event of the Year – sponsored by Accrington Observer – winner J Drinkwater Tournament 2017
