Business experts from across the North West of England are coming together to be part of the judging panel for the first North West Family Business Awards, as the clock counts down to the deadline for entries on Thursday, 16 January 2020.

The panel will meet at Lancaster University on Thursday 23 January to begin the difficult process of selecting the finalists for the prestigious awards.

The new awards dedicated to family businesses from across the North West have grown from the successful Cumbria Family Business Award launched in 2017.

Chair of the Judges, Jacqui Jackson of Thomas Jardine and Co. (pictured) said: “What a privilege it is to chair the panel of auspicious judges for the inaugural North West Family Business Awards.

“We have two powerful things working in our favour, firstly a plethora of ‘awesomely brilliant’ family businesses in the North West and secondly, a group of skilled judges with distinct lenses and perspectives from which to identify the ‘magic’ combination of family values and business excellence that will represent the very best of our region.”

Cumbrian judge, Peter Stafford of Cartmell Shepherd said: “I believe that Family Business is the lifeblood of our economy, so I will be looking for the story behind the business, what their aims are to be sustainable and future proof their family business as well as the culture of the family business underpinned by the current leadership.”

Other members of the judging panel will be Paul Andrews of Family Business United, Matt Hutchinson Lancaster University’s Family Business Excellence Programme Manager, Sheena McDermott North West Programme Manager for Be the Business, Grahame Latus Chief Executive of Enterprise Answers, Emma Porter Managing Director of North West based Story Contracting Limited, Lucy Powers Director of Chester based Bamboo by HM, Jane Montague Client Services Director for Majestic Publications, Christian Mancier Partner and Commercial Law Specialist at Gorvins Solicitors and Dawn Duggan, Business Growth Hub Leader.

Co-Director of The Family Business Network, Dave Clarkson said: “Celebrating the successes of family businesses is important to us, to help raise the profile of the sector and champion those individuals involved.

“We were able to do this through the creation and running of the Cumbria Family Business Awards which have taken place annually since 2017. Many of the businesses who took part in the awards have told us how beneficial the process has been to their brand awareness, and business growth through their achievements being recognised.

“Now in 2020, we see these awards evolve into our inaugural North West Family Business Awards, which aim to provide an opportunity for North West family firms to share and celebrate their successes.”

Founder and Co-Director of The Family Business Network, Sue Howorth said: “We are delighted to provide the opportunity for family firms from Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside, as well as Cumbria to share and celebrate their achievements through the awards – and expand our judging panel to reflect and represent the whole of the North West.

“We have such a great wealth of experience and business knowledge on the judging panel – many of whom are part of or work closely with family businesses in the area.

“It will be a difficult job to select the finalists, and we are grateful to all the judges for accepting the invitation, and volunteering to be part of the awards.

“Businesses can either be nominated or can enter themselves, however, you’ll have to act quickly as the closing date of 16 January 2020 is fast approaching. For companies looking to support and associate with the sector or simply be a part of the event, we offer a range of opportunities through partnership and sponsorship of the awards.”

Taking place on Friday 6 March, the awards will take off in true first-class style, under the wings of Concorde at The Manchester Airport Runway Visitor Park. Entries are open to businesses located in Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire or Cumbria that have at least two family members working within them.