Red Rose Awards 2012 – The Short List

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Short list announced for this year’s Red Rose Awards:

 

Creative Business of the Year  - sponsored by Peter Scott Printers

Fat Media – Lancaster

Home Creative – Blackpool

Motionlab – Preston

MTJ Associates – Leyland

Oneighty – Colne

Red-Fern Media – Altham

Sprocket DC – Lancaster

Touch – Blackburn

 

Online Business of the Year

Cleverboxes – Accrington

Copify – Lancaster

Door4 – Nelson

North’n Exposure – Preston

Skiddle.com – Preston

SMUK Solutions – Clitheroe

Wax Daddy Car Care – Accrington

 

Financial Business of the Year

Cassons Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers – Rossendale

Danbro – Blackpool

J S Accountancy – Clitheroe

Kingsley Asset Finance – Chorley

Moore and Smalley – Preston

PM+M Solutions for Business – Blackburn

Taylor Patterson Group – Preston

True Bearing – Chartered Financial Planners – Euxton

 

Industrial Business of the Year  - sponsored by The North West Fund for Development Capital

ACDC – Nelson

European Manufacturing Solutions – Clitheroe

Fort Vale Engineering – Burnley

JJO – Bacup

VEKA – Burnley

WEC Group – Darwen

What More UK – Burnley

 

Law Firm of the Year  - sponsored by Ashton Hoyle

Ascroft Whiteside – Blackpool

Brabners Chaffe Street – Preston

Farleys Solicitors – Accrington / Blackburn / Burnley

Harrison Drury – Preston

Marsden Rawsthorn – Preston

Napthens Solicitors – Preston / Blackburn / Blackpool & Fylde / Chorley

 

Property or Construction Business of the Year – sponsored by OBAS UK

CityBlock – Lancaster

Conlon Construction – Preston

Lea Hough Chartered Surveyors – Euxton

Mortimers Estate Agents – Accrington

Rosslee Construction – Accrington

Trevor Dawson & Company – Blackburn

UK Restoration Services – Burnley

Woodscape – Blackburn

 

Rural Business of the Year

Browsholme Hall and the Tithe Barn – Clitheroe

EnviroSystems (UK) – Preston

J S Accountancy – Clitheroe

Riley’s Butchers – Rossendale

Sustainable Energy Systems – Preston

Whitehead’s Butchers and The Edgworth Deli – Edgworth

 

Technology Business of the Year

ACDC - Nelson

Cleverboxes – Accrington

Copifax – Burnley

Denwa Communications – Barrowford

Door4 – Nelson

eBusiness UK – Blackburn

Lanway CBS – Hapton

RecycleIT – Hapton

  

Tourism & Leisure Business of the Year – sponsored by Napthens Solicitors

Browsholme Hall and the Tithe Barn – Clitheroe

Giddy Kippers – Nelson

Holiday Inn Preston – Preston

Oswaldtwistle Mills – Oswaldtwistle

The Hub – Buckshaw Village

The Millstone at Mellor – Blackburn

The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village – Preston

University of Central Lancashire – Preston

 

Retailer of the Year

Atticus Accordions – Lancaster

HallsFood Group – Chorley

Oswaldtwistle Mills – Oswaldtwistle

Riley’s Butchers – Rossendale

The Whalley Wine Shop – Clitheroe

 

Start-up Business of the Year – sponsored by Bizspace

Alkincoats – Citheroe

Businesswise Solutions – Nelson

Invincibles Catering – Preston

Jagger Talent Commercial Recruiters – Burnley

The Hub – Buckshaw Village

Talent Dynamics – Preston

The Finishing Touch Handwork Services – Accrington

The Foot Room – Preston

 

International Achievement Award

ACDC – Nelson

Blackburn Chemicals – Blackburn

Fort Vale Engineering – Burnley

Goody Good Stuff – Morecambe

Process Instruments (UK) – Burnley

SwimFin – Burscough

Talent Dynamics – Preston

What More UK – Burnley

 

Environmental Impact Award – Sponsored by WEC Group

Andrew Porter – Adlington

Carrylift Materials Handling – Skelmersdale

JJO – Bacup

MDA – Blackburn

Recycling Lives – Preston

Rosewood Keen Management Services – Blackpool

Rosslee Construction – Accrington

The Paper Cup Company – Clitheroe

 

Not for Profit Award

Child Action Northwest – Blackburn

Community and Business Partners – Blackburn

Curious Minds – Burnley

n-compass North West – Blackpool

Orvia Group – Leyland

Preston Carers Centre – Preston

The Community Foundation for Lancashire – Leyland

Thomas – Blackburn

 

Commitment to Skills Award

Arthur Padgett - Nelson

Cummins Mellor Recruitment – Accrington

Danbro – Blackpool

Eric Wright Group – Preston

Mad Science North West – Preston

Taylor Patterson Group – Preston

WEC Group – Darwen

Willowbrook – Oswaldtwistle

 

Carer friendly employer of the Year – sponsored by Lancashire County Council

Carers Contact at Burnley, Pendle & Rossendale Council for Voluntary Service - Burnley

Dr Page & Partners - Fleetwood

HallsFood Group - Chorley

Lancashire County Commercial Group - Chorley

Mosaic Community Care - Preston

Preston City Council - Preston

Willowbrook - Oswaldtwistle

 

Small Business of the Year – sponsored by FSB

Cuffe & Taylor – Lytham St Annes

JRC Roofing Distributors – Burnley

Keyfleet Automotive – Blackburn

Laura Hartley Recruitment – Blackburn

M65 Recruitment – Blackburn

Scancapture – Blackburn

SwimFin – Burscough

The Whalley Wine Shop - Clitheroe

 

Medium Business of the Year – sponsored by Yorkshire Bank

Bevlan Office Interiors – Blackburn

Cherrytree Bakery – Burnley

Copifax – Burnley

Denwa Communications – Pendle

Ibex – Preston

Mortimers Estate Agents – Accrington

Orvia Group – Leyland

Prefix Systems (UK) – Accrington

 

Large Business of the Year

MDA – Blackburn

Mosaic Community Care – Preston

Recycling Lives – Preston

The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village – Preston

VEKA – Burnley

WEC Group – Darwen

What More UK – Burnley

Willowbrook – Oswaldtwistle

 

Family Business of the Year – Sponsored by Laura Hartley Recruitment

Blackburn Chemicals – Blackbrun

Blakedale – Chorley

CityBlock – Lancaster

Conlon Construction – Preston

eBusiness UK – Blackburn

Kitchener 2000 – Blackburn

Real Lancashire Black Pudding Co. – Rossendale

SMUK Solutions – Clitheroe

 

Publisher’s Choice Award

The winner of this category will be announced on the evening of the awards ceremony

 

Social CRM – not to be ignored

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The World is changing to Web 3.0, but why should you bother?

The world is becoming more and more social as the number of social networking sites and other online platforms increase. From the concept of Web 2.0, we are moving to the concept of Web 3.0. A very high number of customers prefer using a product based on word – of – mouth rather than just watching an advertisement. This has made organisations work rigorously to change their strategies towards retaining their present customers as well as acquiring new customers.

CUSTOMER is the KEY

In Social CRM, the key is the CUSTOMER. It is very important to look at the points and places of discussion for the customer. Most importantly, organisations should concentrate and work towards improving the experience for a customer who they think has the highest potential and value for improving their productivity. This way the organisation can avoid wastage of time and resources on the other unwanted customers as well as target the right customers.

Where is Social CRM leading to for the IT and BPO sectors? Social CRM is leading to a sort of revolution in the world of IT and BPO service providers as well. They are looking at this as an opportunity to extend and improve their CRM and BPO services to include the social networks and platforms.

More and more organisations are realising that the rules to engage with the customers and with their communities are changing. The faster they innovate, the more competitive and productive they would get. This is turning out to be the CRM 2.0 or the social network CRM.

But why should you bother at all?

Customer acquisition is the key to the success of any business. With the world going flat, and customers interacting with each other in real-time on various social networks and other channels, engaging a customer is the first step towards a successful customer acquisition strategy.

Your customers are talking about what they need, what they like and also about you! The key to effective lead generation and also solid customer service, while reducing the operational cost of the delivery, is to be where your customers are. And Social CRM empowers your business to do just that!

Debt advice for anyone concerned about unemployment

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The Debt Advisory Centre is reminding everyone to do what they can to protect themselves against financial hardship in the event that they’re made redundant, after it was revealed by the Office for National Statistics that unemployment has hit a 20-year high and that there are currently over 1 million young people unemployed.

Some of those people may be able to rely on savings, but some may find they need to borrow money to get by. If you’re in work at the moment – are you prepared for what might happen if you lost your job?

Growth forecasts predict that the economy will only grow by about 1% over 2012. Also, it’s predicted by some experts that unemployment will rise further this year and the next. Sir Mervyn King, Governor of the Bank of England, has said that growth over the next few quarters would be “markedly weaker” than previously thought.

Unemployment can easily lead to debt. The debt charity the Money Advice Service has said that one in eight of the people who became unemployed in the third quarter of this year will have severe debt problems as a result.

A spokesperson for http://www.debtadvisorycentre.co.uk/ commented: “If you are employed at the moment, consider whether you are doing enough to protect yourself financially if you lost your job. It is certainly worth putting whatever you can afford into savings every month. Even £50 a month (just £12.50 per week) would grow into a substantial pot of £600 after only 12 months.

“If you’re worried about your job security but can’t afford to save at the moment because of debt payments, it’s particularly important to get those debts paid off. If you can’t even afford those debt payments, you may be able to lower your monthly payments with one of the many debt solutions that are available to people in debt. A professional debt advisor will be able to tell you about the various ways out of debt.

“If you are unemployed, do what you can to avoid borrowing. If you have savings to fall back on, so much the better; even so, you may find it impossible to maintain the same standard of living as when you were working. Addressing your spending and living within your means will help you to cope with unemployment and avoid unnecessary borrowing while you’re out of work.

“Finally, make sure you are receiving all the benefits and tax credits you are entitled to while you’re not working, although this isn’t likely to be a great amount. While you’re out of work, draw up a new budget taking account of your present income and try to make sure your expenses remain less than your income. Things may be difficult for a while, but unemployment is usually temporary, so focus on your goal of finding a new job, or retraining.”

Crown Oil Alliance with Q8Oils Delivers Advanced Lubricants for Transport and Industry

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By Crown Oil UK

Crown Oil, suppliers of road fuel and lubricants to transport, engineering, manufacturing, food and specialist industries, has become an authorised distributor of high quality lubricants from Q8Oils.

Crown Oil, suppliers of road fuel and lubricants to transport, engineering, manufacturing, food and specialist industries, has become an authorised distributor of high quality lubricants from Q8Oils. The company will supply and provide technical service for a complete range of the Q8Oils premium quality branded lubricants complimenting the Crown Oil range of lubricants manufactured at their blending plant in Bury Lancashire.

Mark Andrews, Crown Oil group general manager explained, “Q8Oils produce specially formulated lubricants for transport, manufacturing, food production and other industries. These advanced lubricants promote efficiency, extend plant life, safeguard the health of users and protect the environment. All the products carry extensive technical approvals and official endorsement. This is a new premium market segment for Crown Oil and one that fits comfortably within our existing business.”

The advanced Q8Oils formulations safeguard the health of users in several ways. Cooling/cutting oils used in engineering are emulsion that in the past could become a potential bio-hazard. Q8Oils incorporate additives to overcome this potential problem safeguarding operators. Likewise food-safe lubricants and greases for use in food, dairy, beverage and brewing industries are free of anything that could introduce chemical taint or potentially harbour bacteria.

Crown Oil have a technical help desk, manned by experienced chemists and technicians, who are able to advise on the more unusual and challenging lubrication questions. A sales force of forty staff are undertaking a comprehensive training programme on the Q8Oils range, to ensure users are advised on the best lubricant for every situation.

Company chemist Riaz Amanjy explained, “Many companies are very traditional in selecting lubrication products. To take vehicle lubricants as an example, these can be degraded by temperature, fuel contamination, metal erosion in the engine or even the type journey that the vehicle does. Selecting the right lubricant can improve performance, permit extended service intervals and so contribute significantly to overall fleet efficiency.”

Crown Oil will offer delivery in parallel to its national fuel distribution service. Normal order turnaround will be five days. Provision can be for made for express delivery in an emergency. Details of lubricants can be found at http://www.crownoil.co.uk/lubricants.php. 

Landscaping services Chorley & Leyland

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MPR Landscapes are based near Chorley, Lancashire. We are a family run business providing quality services to Chorley, Leyland, Preston and surrounding areas in Lancashire.

With over 10 years experience in this industry we are passionate about the works we carry out. Our services include driveways, patio areas, childrens play areas, fencing, turfing, decking, artificial grass installation, water features and many more.

Both domestic and commercial projects are undertaken by us so we can tailor our services to meet any requirements.

Our friendly and professional service along with the high standard of work we carry out is what we pride ourselves on. Our quotations are free, written and no obligation so do not hesitate to get intouch and see what MPR Landscapes is all about.

We are members of the Help Direct Safe Trader Scheme in partnership with Lancashire County Council Trading Standards.  Our business articles are also featured in Pro Landscaper magazine talking about current projects,suppliers and future plans.

Currently we are having a new website built. This one can be a little slow.

Our web address is and will always be http://www.mprlandscapes.co.uk/

By: Yasmin Roworth

Red Rose Awards 2012 – Final Call for Entries!

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DEADLINE: Thursday January 26, 5pm
ENTER AT: WWW.REDROSEAWARDS.CO.UK
AWARDS EVENT: Thursday March 15
AWARDS VENUE: Blackpool Winter Gardens

The deadline for the second Red Rose Awards, which celebrate business excellence in Lancashire, is coming up fast!

The Awards, which are organised by East Lancashire Chamber member Lancashire Business View magazine, will celebrate the outstanding achievements of real businesses in our county.

Richard Slater, publisher of Lancashire Business View, said: “We will be rewarding and recognising businesses which have not only survived but thrived in incredibly challenging times. As a county we should be celebrating and congratulating hard-working, industrious businesses and acknowledging our diverse and vibrant business community.”

Entries need to be received by January 26 and can be made at www.redroseawards.co.uk

Richard added: “Last year’s inaugural Red Rose Awards gave a beleaguered business community the opportunity to showcase their work, forge new relationships and celebrate the great things that Lancashire businesses do every day.

“What we aim for with the awards and with our magazine is to remind businesses in Lancashire just how good they are and promote trade within the county – if it can be bought in Lancashire, then don’t buy it in London. That’s one way to help drive business and jobs into the county.”

Forbes Solicitors, which has offices across the county, is once again the headline sponsor of the awards.

John Barker, managing partner of Forbes, and a director of the Chamber, said: “We are delighted and very proud to be headline sponsors of the Red Rose Awards.  We see the awards as a true pan-Lancashire celebration that recognises the achievements of businesses throughout the county.”

Michael Gibson of fat Media, which landed 2011’s Creative Business Awards, said: “Winning a Red Rose Awards has been fantastic for us. It’s an acknowledgement of our hard work and the successes we’ve achieved for our clients.”

Other sponsors confirmed to date are Yorkshire Bank, Laura Hartley Recruitment, Huddle Media, the Federation of Small Businesses, YFM Equity Partners, Lanway, Ashton Hoyle, Napthens Solicitors, The North West Fund, Peter Scott Printers, Lancashire County Council and Obas. More sponsors will be announced shortly.

To keep up to date with Red Rose Awards news on Twitter, follow @RedRoseAwards and #RRA12.

Unlock LinkedIn for Lancashire Business

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LinkedIn is one of the oldest social networks and is often considered the most professional. As businesses are embracing the power of social media sites, a lot of professionals see the advantages of taking their business and their personal brand online and making use of social media to help spread brand awareness. If you’re a direct seller, it can also help you in sharing your passion and your brand. It’s not to focus on recruiting as much as it is to focus on providing helpful information to your target audience and creating a community of people with common interests and goals.

Find Go Lancashire on LinkedIn today -search Groups ‘Go Lancashire’ and get regular updates omow hats happening in Lancashires business community.

Most professionals and employees from top companies have LinkedIn profiles. The site is designed to allow user interaction, and with most professionals using this site, you can just imagine the benefits that one can get by interacting with experts.

As a user, it’s important to realise that there is more than just following and contacting professionals; you can actually start your own group to take advantage of the site’s full potential in helping you with your business and brand needs. LinkedIn allows you to build your own network and attract users that share your interests; it allows you to build a community where you can learn and market.

Why did we start the Go Lancashire group?

As a professional, you want to continue learning, especially for your business. Whatever you are offering, products or services, innovation is important. When you create your own group and have gained members that share and understand your business needs, getting information and ideas will be easy for you. You have that advantage to quickly access information by asking your members and discussing ideas with them.

As a group manager, you are giving your members the chance to interact with other members. Facilitating a place where they can get the same benefits that you are getting from your members, ideas and helpful information, is a great way for others to sample your character and competence. Share your passions with your group and you will gain their respect, along with develop and grow relationships

Making Linkedin work to its full potential

It is easy to create a group, but it requires time and effort to actually feel the benefits of having one. Some groups do not succeed because their strategy in maintaining the group is not enough or their goal is focused on short term benefits.

Think of what your long term goals are before you join a group. How can you help your members by sharing what you know and giving them practical and useful information? Dedicate time to how you can provide content, articles and topics for discussions, in order to keep them interested. Be creative and make your group an interactive one. Make your fellow members feel like they really belong to a community

Contributing to a LinkedIn Group will help your brand in many ways if you are also willing to help your fellow members. Promote your brand in your group and at the same time give them something valuable like helpful information. Keep building your group and promote interaction at all times. Your group is a community of people who understands what your brand is about, and your members will help your business succeed.

Join up with the Go Lancashire LinkedIn Group today

Looking to fund our new groundbreaking documentary

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Looking to fund our next project ‘a groundbreaking documentary’ not expecting everyone to give up all their hard earned cash though ‘I am looking to sell back issues of our Kickboxing/Boxing DVD’. We have numerous dates available, some dates contain over 20 fights. some of which contain area title, british title and northern area title fights. Primarily I sell the DVD’s for £10 each excluding P&P.

Nevertheless to raise funds for the project we are selling off all our previous copies for a £2 minimum donation for each DVD, plus the cost of P&P. All donations over £2 per DVD are welcome or alternatively any donation to help fund the project will be greatly appreciated. If your interested or you require any further details please message us @greg@gdsfreelance.co.uk.

If you know anyone who may also be interested in this unique opportunity I would be grateful to hear from you.

Visit us @ http://www.gdsfreelance.co.uk/Filmaking%20Documents.html  to make a PayPal donation or alternative message me us at: greg@gdsfreelance.co.uk

For a preview of our Kickboxing/Boxing DVD’s please visit: http://www.dailymotion.com/EastLancsAdvertising#videoId=xnu6xd

Celebrating 90 Years and Still Going Strong for Preston Hardware Wholesaler

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For an independent business still to be trading after 90 years, it must be doing something right.

 

J Grantham & Son on St Mary’s Street in Preston is one of the only hardware wholesalers left in the Preston area. Now managed by third generation John Nickson, the company supplies hotels, pubs and restaurants, schools, community centres, caravan parks and golf clubs across the North West and North Wales.  It stocks everything from crockery and cutlery to basketware, and kitchenware, in fact more than 20,000 product lines! 

 

J Grantham has only relocated premises once in 90 years of trading; moving just 50 yards away from its initial building into what was once the old St Mary’s Methodist school. The school John’s mother used to go to as a child.

 

Sixty one year old John comes from a farming background. He studied at Myerscough College and graduated with an HND in agriculture. But 37 years ago decided to join his father in the family business and since then has built up an impressive client base.  From independent retailers, to The Craven Heifer at Kelbrook, The Sparling at Barton and Tinos in Preston, J Grantham has always provided a quality range of products with a quality service.

 

One client, another family business, Blundell’s Hardware in Longton, has been using J Grantham for 61 years. Owner Graham Blundell says: “We have records of our first order with J Grantham dating back to 1950 and we’ve had a weekly order ever since.  It’s a really good working relationship.”

 

As the company has expanded to bring in new products and new requests, it now also specialises in glass and china. But one thing that hasn’t changed is technology.  John still does things the traditional way. Invoices are written by hand, as is stock inventory.

 

John says: “I did try and put everything on the computer, but it took ages, then it crashed and I lost everything. I know exactly where everything in the warehouse is and who has ordered what so I don’t need a computer.”

 

So what plans does John have for the future?  “I have a farm in France, I’m hoping to retire there and go back to my farming roots.”

 

By: Tracy Hargreaves

Lancashire Employers Forum

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Community & Business Partners host The Employers Forums which are aimed at private sector businesses to share best practice and debate issues of concern

  • Open to all employers from the private sector based in Lancashire
  • Held in various venues in Pennine Lancashire 11.45am to 2.00pm including lunch
  • Agendas compiled in line with current and hot topics
  • Great opportunity to network with like-minded local businesses

Agenda

  • Managing Marketing Priorities - learn marketing tips on planning your marketing activity, understand which marketing tools to use and how to measure your return on investment
  • Business Benefits for Employers Working with Blackburn College
  • Online Business & Social Media – the Good, the Bad and the Ugly…….learn how to avoid common security pitfalls and ensure that your organisation maintains a professional image when using social media and interacting with an online world

Forward Dates:
28 February – Clatyon Park Conference Centre Clayton le Moors BB5 5JW
20 March – Training 2000 Nelson BB9 9AR

For more information or any queries please contact Amin on 01254 505062 amin@cbpartners.org

Employers Forum supported by Blackburn College
11.45am to 2.00pm including lunch
 
Venue: Northbridge House Conference Centre
Elm Street Business Park
Burnley
BB10 1PD