The winners of the Burnley Business Awards have been revealed, with Pendleside Hospice and Crow Wood Hotel and Spa among the winners.
At the glittering awards ceremony, almost 500 people from the Burnley business community discovered who the long-awaited winners were.
Property firm The Calico Group was named business of the year, with other businesses scooping awards for ‘environmental excellence’, ‘best young employee’ and more.
The awards were organised by Burnley Council, with The University of Central Lancashire as headline sponsor.
Commenting on the Burnley Business Awards, Mick Cartledge said: “Yesterday evening truly was a celebration of the resilience of the people and businesses in our borough.
"It was an incredibly uplifting event and I know myself, UCLan and all of the judges and sponsors were blown away by the tenacity shown, as well as the incredible success stories.
“After a three-year break, the 2022 Burnley Business Awards will certainly be remembered. A huge congratulations to everyone who entered, who was shortlisted and who took home a coveted award.”
The winners of the 2022 Burnley Business Awards are:
Small Business (0-19 employees – sponsored by Paradigm Precision): CUBE HR
CUBE HR won because supporting businesses and the people that work in those businesses is at the very heart of what they do.
While they were doing what they do best, they also developed themselves and grew the business by a significant percentage.
The judges were impressed by their passionate for people and how they wouldn’t have their business anywhere else but Burnley.
Small Business (20-49 sponsored by Paradigm Precision) - FloControl Ltd
The judges were very impressed with FloControl, they clearly demonstrated significant growth, resilience, and a commitment to their staff.
They have a very clear strategy for growth and are in the process of planning their future expansion.
FloControl showed their commitment to reducing energy requirements and working towards net zero not just for themselves but for their clients too.
Medium Business (sponsored by Crow Wood): AMS Neve Limited
With several product launches, employee growth and a 100 per cent increase in turnover, the judges were impressed with the continued growth of AMS Neve.
Distribution networks have increased across the globe, putting Burnley further on the map.
Large Business (sponsored by Charter Walk Shopping Centre): VEKA plc
VEKA plc stood out for having revolutionised its approach to its people over the last 18 months, with an attractive employee package.
The business also demonstrated innovative projects to diversify its product range into new sectors and a commitment to the green agenda.
Manufacturing Excellence (sponsored by Burnley College): Process Instruments (UK) Limited
The judges were impressed with Process Instrument’s approach to the efficient use of technology and their ability to adapt to a global shortage of components.
In doing so, it ensured the company’s survival. Their commitment to the local supply chain also stood out.
The Employer of the Year (sponsored by Rotherwood Recruitment): Pendleside Hospice
This was another tough category to judge, and all finalists should be proud, but the panel were impressed were Pendleside Hospice’s detail to positive leadership, with an ethical culture apparent.
This remained firm, even during a very difficult two years.
A spokesperson told the Lancashire Telegraph: “I am so amazingly proud of all of the team at Pendleside to win this award.
“Our five-year strategy centres around the Five Pillars of Pendleside, one of which is that our people identify Pendleside as a good place to work or volunteer and we are the health care organisation of choice to work or volunteer for.
“Our objectives are that the leadership is capable of providing consistent, competent and effective decision making and management , and that we develop a people strategy which enables the organisation’s mission, vision, values and goals to be achieved.
“Also, we endeavour to develop a resilient workforce where the health and wellbeing of those who work and volunteer at Pendleside is recognised as paramount and we ensure our people have the correct skills, knowledge, competencies and aptitude to be able to carry out their role effectively.
“And, importantly, our people are representative of the community in which we serve.”
Young Employee (sponsored by Barnfield Construction): Schofield & Associates Financial Planning Ltd – Toby Uttley-Muldoon – Financial Adviser
The judges said this category was highly competitive and it was a pleasure to meet so many talented young people.
Unfortunately, there can only be one winner and Toby was noted for his impressive application and interview, enthusiasm and can-do attitude.
His presentation was described as “outstanding”, whilst the level of respect he has towards his customers and colleagues impressed judges.
A spokesperson for Schofield & Associates Financial Planning Ltd said: “Congratulations to Toby for winning the Young Employee Of The Year award last night at the Burnley Business Awards 2022.
“We honestly couldn't be any prouder. Very well deserved.
“It's always a great pleasure to see your own doing well!”
International Trade (sponsored by +24 Marketing): Process Instruments (UK) Limited
In a competitive category in a borough with some incredible international businesses, two applications stood out above the rest. Both finalists faced significant challenges during COVID, but with incredible agility and innovation excelled during this period.
It was almost impossible to decide between the two, both would have been worthy winners, but the passion and team spirit of Process Instruments shone through to give them the edge.
Innovation (sponsored by SS&C): Birchall Foodservice
This was tricky to judge because all of the finalists are innovative in different ways in their different sectors. The judges selected Birchall Foodservice, who has been a disruptor in their field, with e-commerce taking a huge slice of their total sales.
An impressive upselling campaign to educate their customers has been a huge success also.
Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality (sponsored by Eric Wright Construction and Maple Grove Developments): Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort
This sector has especially faced some challenges over the past couple of years. The judges recognised this and was impressed with the entrepreneurial spirit of all finalists, especially the newer businesses.
However, only one can take home the award and Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort has demonstrated outstanding excellence in everything it does and an incredible commitment to employees and customers. 80% of its fresh products are sourced in Burnley or Lancashire.
Environmental Excellence (sponsored by Safran Nacelles): The Low Carbon Energy Company
This was an extremely close decision for the judges, however for The Low Carbon Energy Company the renewable energy agenda is not only its business ethos, but it’s also committed to educating the community.
Key to this business’s success is its strong leadership, focussed not on just developing their own team, but the community at large.
Business of the Year (sponsored by UCLan and Burnley Council): The Calico Group
A surprise category, Dharma Kovvuri, dean of UCLan Burnley and Burnley Council’s chief executive Mick Cartledge looked at all of the finalist applications and were blown away with the entries.
It was nearly impossible to compare the different categories and businesses, but the one thing which stood out to both of them, was the way The Calico Group had gone above and beyond during the pandemic and stepped up to the plate.
They supported the most vulnerable residents during the pandemic and were instrumental in establishing Burnley Together.
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