Businesses in the North West are discovering that entering awards is one of the best ways of promoting their business and letting new customers know about their services both locally, nationally and internationally.

Entering a regional award has proved beneficial to many enterprises of all sizes, from small partnerships up to large producers. The entries allow the companies to tell their story, share their values and reach a wider audience of potential customers.

Lancashire based recruitment agency, Cummins Mellor was crowned Be Inspired Business Awards (BIBAs) Family Business of the Year 2019.

Cummins Mellor Director, Katie Mellor said: “Cummins Mellor is a real business family where every single team member believes they can achieve and be better.  Entering business awards, and winning a family business award, in particular, cements our values and our passion for people in the local community. These awards not only make our workforce proud to be a part of our company, but also our clients and customers.”

Bells of Lazonby, won The Outstanding Family Business of the Year and Food & Drink Producer of the year 2017 and went on to represent Cumbria in the National Family Business Awards.

Bells of Lazonby Managing Director, Michael Bell said: “The Family Business Awards are a fantastic way to showcase your business both locally and nationally. Given how many outstanding family business there are in the UK it was fantastic for us to be noticed as one of the best and it has given us a real point of difference when talking to new and existing customers.  I would encourage any family business to enter.”

Thomas Graham & Sons Ltd based in Carlisle received the overall Outstanding Cumbria Family Business of the Year 2019. Managing Director Roger Smith said: “It was a massive surprise when we won as there are so many amazing family businesses in our area. The best part was the reaction from our teams, who were very proud and you could see that the family part of our business is still very important to them.”

Pioneer Foods based in Carlisle, Cumbria won two accolades in the Cumbria Family Business Awards in 2018, which has helped them build their business name to a wider, national audience.

Pioneer Foods’ Managing Director, Graham Jenkins (pictured) said: “Winning the Family Business of the Year Award 2018 was a wonderful surprise to us!  We were honoured to be chosen for our strong business ethics and values, and we value the award as it has certainly helped in building our reputation not just locally, but nationally.  The award helped raise our profile amongst other foodservice companies giving our current and potential customers the comfort of working alongside a nationally recognised business. It also makes us a go-to employer in the area.”

Family businesses in Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, and Cumbria have the opportunity of entering for free, the new North West Family Business Awards this month, however, the clock is ticking down to the deadline for entries at midnight, Thursday, 16 January 2020.

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

Co-Director of The Family Business Network, Dave Clarkson said: “Celebrating the successes of family businesses is essential 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 take part in the awards tell us how beneficial the process is to their brand awareness, and business growth – getting their achievements recognised.

“Our inaugural North West Family Business Awards now provide a new opportunity for North West family firms to share and celebrate their successes.”

Founder and Co-Director of The Family Business Network, Sue Howorth said: “Businesses can enter themselves. However, you’ll have to act now to get your entry in, for free before the closing date of midnight on 16 January 2020. 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.

Image: Pioneer Foods’ Managing Director, Graham Jenkins