We are delighted to announce that The University of Central Lancashire is sponsoring the Innovation in Business Award at the Red Rose Awards 2021, the eleventh annual celebration of the Lancashire business community.
The University of Central Lancashire is a leading player in the North West economy, committed to supporting economic growth and social development in the region.
With 20 categories open for entries, there’s something for all businesses in Lancashire to aim for. The Red Rose Awards celebrates business through sector specific categories, plus categories open to all such as employer of the year, customer service award and the innovation award.
To celebrate six years of sponsoring the Red Rose Awards, we caught up with Professor StJohn Crean, Pro Vice Chancellor of research and enterprise at The University of Central Lancashire and asked them why they support the awards.
RRA: How did The University of Central Lancashire first get involved with the Red Rose Awards?
SJC: We have had a long working relationship with Lancashire Business View and have sponsored the Red Rose Awards for several years. The University makes a significantly sizeable contribution to the North West economy. A University-commissioned economic impact report by Regeneris highlighted that the University contributes more than £200 million to the North West economy every year, and we are happy to share our knowledge and expertise with local SMEs and innovative businesses.
RRA: What is the most rewarding part of being a sponsor?
SJC: It’s wonderful to connect with local organisations, and we are delighted to share and co-develop our knowledge and expertise with the region’s SMEs and innovative businesses.
RRA: How do you feel that the Red Rose Awards benefit Lancashire?
SJC: The Red Rose Awards is an opportunity for local businesses to address the levelling up agenda, by demonstrating that they are contributing to investment in skills, infrastructure, innovation and prosperity. Working with businesses, we build on our strong reputation for applied knowledge exchange, bringing business research, entrepreneurship, innovation and academic excellence to life. We have a wealth of expertise, services and support opportunities to help every type of business develop. Being involved with the Red Rose Awards enables us to support the development and growth of local SMEs and innovative businesses, and we feel it is important to recognise and promote their successes.
RRA: How do you feel that your involvement with the Red Rose Awards benefits The University of Central Lancashire?
SJC: Involvement in the Red Rose Awards help us to reach out to and connect with businesses that may be seeking help or opportunities to grow, innovate and diversify their products and services. It is also a fantastic way to celebrate the excellent and talented SMEs and larger businesses in Lancashire.
RRA: Do you have any words of advice for businesses who may be considering entering this year?
SJC: We’d encourage businesses of all shapes and sizes to consider entering this year’s Red Rose Awards – be clear, concise and confident with your submissions, exemplifying the successes you’ve enjoyed, the contributions you’ve made to the Lancashire economy, and the lessons you’ve learned along the way.
Since the awards were launched in 2011, it has steadily grown and become the centrepiece attraction for the business community.
Businesses interested in entering the awards have until August 20 to submit their entry forms. The finalists will be announced on September 10, and they will then be given the opportunity to put their best case to the judges on September 22 and 23.
For more details, visit www.redroseawards.co.uk
The headline sponsors for Red Rose Awards 2021 are Forbes Solicitors and Barclays.
The judging partner is Blackpool & The Fylde College.
The awards are also sponsored by Azets UK, Business Health Matters, Cube Thinking, Eventus Recruitment Group, Four Recruitment, Harrison Drury Solicitors, Napthens Solicitors, Peter Scott Printers, PM+M, Porsche Centre Bolton, Rowan, Sales Geek, Seriun, Sundown Solutions, Two Zero and The University of Central Lancashire. The charity partner is Community Foundation for Lancashire.