The Sub36 Awards, now open for entries, have returned to recognise the best of Lancashire’s young business talent with new categories, more networking opportunities and an all-new mentoring programme for the winners.
Tearing up the script on traditional awards ceremonies, the annual event, organised by Lancashire Business View magazine, has swapped sit-down-dinners for socialising and networking over street food, and introduced innovative prizes including growth mentoring from established local businesses.
The new-style competition was introduced when the organisers rebranded the project from Young ‘Uns to Sub36 - a name which demonstrates its focus on those 36-and-under making things happen in business across the red rose county.
John French, managing director at headline sponsor Fat Media said: “I am delighted that Fat Media are a key part of the Sub36 Awards 2018 as we are a true believer in developing young talent.
“Lancashire has some fantastic young entrepreneurs and employees who are doing truly amazing things in business and the awards rightly shine a spotlight on these stars of the future.
“As a former winner myself, I can say first-hand how good it feels to be recognised for your achievements and I am looking forward to hearing the accomplishments of this year’s candidates and support their progress through mentoring.”
Two new categories have been added in 2018, ensuring stars of the creative industries and professional services sector making their mark in accountancy, law, marketing, property and more get their due recognition.
And all winners will now be granted exclusive access to a bespoke mentoring programme with Community & Business Partners who deliver the Northern Mentoring Programme. Each winner of the awards will be matched with a suitable mentor from the heavy line-up of awards sponsors to help their future development.
Jaydee Davis, operations manager at Community and Business Partners said: “This is an excellent opportunity to support our younger entrepreneurs in Lancashire and we are delighted to be the mentoring partner with Sub36.
“With over 30 years heritage delivering mentoring programmes across the region we are passionate about mentoring, the benefits it can bring and sharing best practice. To have the ability to learn from an experienced businessman or women is invaluable and this is an excellent opportunity for anyone entering the awards this year.”
Back with a bang for 2018, Lancashire Business View can also announce a hot line-up of sponsors including headline sponsors Fat Media and category sponsors including Begbies Traynor, Blackburn College, EKM and Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub. The campaign is also supported by Empine Group, Northcote at the Rovers, Winter Gardens Blackpool and With a Twist.
Ian McColloch, director at Begbies Traynor said: “The Sub 36 awards are a fantastic opportunity for young professionals across Lancashire to showcase their many and varied accomplishments, and we are delighted to lend our support for another year.
“We believe in celebrating and rewarding success and see the Sub36 awards as the perfect way to recognise the valuable contribution made by the upcoming generation of business professionals across our region.”
Claire Shore, senior business development manager at Blackburn College, said: “The Sub36 Awards celebrate the talents and achievements of some of Lancashire’s leading business professionals under the age of 36 who in turn will become our future business leaders.
“Nurturing young talents and inspiring young minds is at the heart of Blackburn College’s mission to transform students' lives and our community, through outstanding education, training and support.
“We are proud to sponsor the awards and recognise the achievements of those set to be nominated.”
Head of business development at EKM said: “It's great to have the opportunity to sponsor the 2018 Sub36 Awards. With so many awesome businesses and fantastic talent calling Lancashire home, it's fantastic to get directly involved in celebrating the Sub36 community.
“With EKM being a proud Lancashire business with a young team, it's a natural fit for us and something we take great pride in supporting.”
Dr Michele Lawty-Jones, director of the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub, said: “A priority for the LEP is driving talent through the engagement of businesses and employees in apprenticeships, which now also includes higher level and degree standards.
We are looking forward to celebrating apprenticeship talent from across the Lancashire area and the impact that apprentices have on business productivity and performance.”
Hard-working employees and inspirational business owners alike have until September 3 to submit nominations across 11 categories. Employers may nominate staff on their behalf.
Four shortlisted individuals from each category will then meet with the judging panel to showcase their achievements before winners are announced on October 18 at a one-of-a-kind ceremony held at Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens.
Richard Slater, publisher of Lancashire Business View and organiser of the awards, said: “The Sub36 Awards bring the county together to celebrate the best of the best and we’re very excited about the changes we’ve made for 2018.
“We have designed the awards to give attendees the best opportunity to meet new contacts. It’s not just about celebrating with friends and colleagues - although I’m sure there will be plenty of that, too.”
Richard added: “The awards themselves are something to aspire to for all young people in business – both employees and entrepreneurs. We’ll shine a light on these individuals and the businesses that support young talent and development.
“We know the mentoring programme will be popular and we look forward to working with Community and Business Partners to deliver it.
“Those aged Sub36 have until midnight on Monday 3 September to get their entries in."
To view the categories and entry information, please click here.