The Red Rose Awards, Lancashire’s biggest celebration of business, has launched for 2022.
New and revised categories have been revealed and the ceremony will take place on June 9 at Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens.
The awards programme honours the ambition, innovation and achievements of the county’s stand-out companies. It has taken place each year since its launch in 2011 and celebrated its biggest ever event in 2021 with almost 1,200 in attendance.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, this year’s event has been rescheduled from its usual March date to a summer slot and will feature locally-sourced food, music and entertainment.
Lancashire businesses and organisations have until 18 March to submit their nominations and entries.
The list of finalists will be announced on 4 April, and shortlisted candidates will then be given one final chance to impress the judges with in-person presentations taking place across 27 and 28 April.
New categories have been added to the awards line-up for 2022. The Micro Business Award has been introduced to honour the best Lancashire companies with six or fewer employees, and, following feedback from previous finalists, the Marketing Agency Award has been split into two: now the Design Award and Digital Award.
Several businesses have also signed on to support the campaign, with Zigaflow confirmed as social media partner and Chorley Borough Council announced as an event supporter.
Stephen Bolton, commercial director of Lancashire Business View magazine, which organises the event, said: “Following the incredible feedback received from winners, guests and supporters of the Red Rose Awards through the years, and in particular last year, we are excited to bring the event back for 2022.
“Each ceremony builds on the last, and even though we sold more tickets than ever before last year, we have a number of new ideas we are looking forward to launching.
“The new categories will give even more businesses the chance to get involved, and we have a number of other enhancements we will be announcing in the coming weeks and months.”