HAD on shortlist for small business awards

The shortlist for the North West FSB ‘Celebrating Small Business Awards 2018’ has been announced and a Burnley/Blackburn/Manchester firm is among those nominated for a title.

The North West area finals of the national FSB contest will be held on March 22 in Blackburn and will celebrate the achievements of small businesses that play such a vital part in making the North West such a vibrant area to live, work and invest.

Fifty small firms from across the North West have been shortlisted for one of the 12 gongs up for grabs, including Family Business of the Year, Green Business of the Year, and Best Start-up Business. The winners from each category will automatically go through to the FSB’s UK national business awards, the final of which is in London this May.

Local firm HAD Architecture is finalist for the Triumph over adversity award. Practice manager and company founder, Huddersfield University graduate Saira Hussain said: ‘’Women in construction need to have strength in more ways than one. Yes, physical strength is required, but so is mental strength and clarity of purpose. In what was traditionally a male dominated industry, women are making strides and building more than residential and commercial buildings – we’re building a name for ourselves. The truth is, when women find success in construction, everyone benefits. That’s because in order to build homes and commercial buildings with strong foundations, the construction industry itself must have a strong foundation. Construction is a fast-moving industry that is constantly shifting and changing. Women are playing a major role in increasing diversity and overcoming adversity in construction.’’ Nixie Edwards practice manager at Burnley said: “It’s a real thrill to make the shortlist and we can’t wait for the finals. As women take their place in construction, we are breaking down stereotypes, creating a diverse workforce, enabling diversity in ownership and upper management, and demanding and enforcing an end to harassment in the workplace. Because of these shifts in the industry, women must continue to forge ahead. We must bolster and support each other, share best practices and tools of the trade, and discuss, support and champion women’s leadership initiatives and methodologies.’’

Simon Edmondson, FSB North West Regional Chairman, said: “The sheer scale and diversity of the entrants who have taken part in our awards is a real testimony to the vibrancy of the business community here in the North West.

“There’s no doubt that this is an area full of fantastic small firms and a rich culture of entrepreneurship, so it’ll be great to crown many of them with a trophy in March. I am particularly looking forward to seeing the cream of the crop then take on the rest of the country at our national finals in London.”

Tickets for the North West final, held at the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa, on March 21.