The next Red Rose Awards will mark ten years of one of Lancashire’s biggest and most fun business awards ceremonies.
The event is only made possible through the support of its sponsors, and Forbes Solicitors was one of the first to pledge its commitment. Here, director Andrea Stamp reflects on a decade of involvement in the awards, explains how the event benefits her business and how the awards became a crucial date in the business calendar.
The Red Rose Awards are now open for entries and will culminate in an extravagant ceremony, attended by more than 1,000 guests, on March 12 in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.
RRA: How did Forbes first get involved with the Red Rose Awards?
AS: Stephen came along to talk about the concept of the Red Rose Awards and asked whether we would be interested in sponsoring. I really liked the concept and taking the position of headline sponsor matched our ambitions for the firm within the county.
We wanted to be aligned with awards that celebrated the whole of Lancashire’s business community in a genuine and down to earth way that fitted with our brand.
RRA: What changes have you seen in the Red Rose Awards over the years that you have been involved?
AS: The Awards have grown significantly in the last ten years and are now a regular fixture in the diaries of Lancashire businesses.
The number of entries and calibre of applications have increased but also the judging process has been streamlined too. The award ceremony itself has evolved to become a highlight of the year – one definitely not to be missed.
RRA: What is the most rewarding part of being headline sponsor?
AS: Reading all the amazing success stories in the award entries - and, of course, the night itself.
RRA: How do you feel that the Red Rose Awards benefit Lancashire?
AS: The Red Rose Awards gives businesses at every stage of their lifecycle an opportunity to shout about their achievements and celebrate success. Not only that, but the awards evening itself is a fantastic networking opportunity and trade platform.
RRA: How do you feel that your involvement with the Red Rose Awards benefits Forbes?
AS: To be aligned with one of the largest business awards in the county fits perfectly with our brand. The exposure we get from being involved with the awards has grown over the years.
Through the judging process, the ceremony and other networking events organised around the awards we have also met and been introduced to some amazing businesses.
The Red Rose Awards fit with our values. Whenever you speak to people about why they use Forbes they always say it’s the people. We are the largest law firm in Lancashire and the awards helped us to raise awareness of our specialisms.
RRA: Do you have any words of advice for businesses who may be considering entering this year?
AS: Don’t think about it: do it!