Finalists announced for 2015 Young ‘Uns Awards

Lancashire’s young business people are celebrating after being named as finalists in the Young ‘Uns Awards 2015.

Successful candidates were announced after a day of rigorous judging by sponsors, business leaders and independent experts at the Preston Marriott, whittling down each category to just four finalists for each award.

Winners will be announced at a sparkling ceremony which takes place on June 12 at the Spanish Ballroom, Winter Gardens, Blackpool.

The awards, organised by Lancashire Business View magazine and backed by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Boost Business Lancashire and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), will celebrate the young entrepreneurial, professional and business talent in Lancashire.

From legal eagles to digital dynamos, red-hot retailers to globetrotting international traders, there are 12 categories to ensure that anyone aged 36 or under and making waves in business has a chance to be recognised.

There is also a Young ‘Un Business of the Year category to honour new organisations, and the most impressive entry overall will take home the esteemed ‘The Young ‘Un 2015’ Award.

Richard Slater, publisher of Lancashire Business View, said: “The response we’ve had to the Young ‘Uns Awards 2015 has been terrific and the judges have had a difficult job in narrowing down entries to just four in each category.”

Dharma Kovvuri, dean of Lancashire Business School at UCLan added: “We are delighted to be playing such a key part in this year’s event. The quality and quantity of entries has been excellent, it’s great to see so many young people doing great things for business in Lancashire.”

Andrew Leeming, senior project officer for Boost Business Lancashire commented: “It’s a real privilege to be involved in an event of this kind. The entries really highlight the county’s young business stars and leaders of the future. We look forward to celebrating with winners on the night!

“It’s key that we recognise the fabulous young talent we have in Lancashire, which is critical to continued business growth and success. They enable businesses to excel, thrive and flourish.”

Gary Lovatt, director at FSB commented: “The FSB is proud to sponsor the Young ‘Uns awards and we’re pleased to see the number and variety of applications.  Judging has been very difficult and every finalist is worthy of winning!”

The full shortlist can be seen by clicking here. Tables and tickets for the big night will be available through the website shortly.

Other sponsors confirmed to date include Business and Enterprise Trust, Peter Scott Printers, Preston’s College, Square Cactus, Sunshine Events, Vedas Recruitment and Winter Gardens Blackpool.