Business Award Winner Praises GOLD Programme
Published 26 September 2012
The winner of a Be Inspired Business Award (BIBA) says he could not have won without having attended the GOLD programme at Lancaster University Management School.
Stuart Breakewell of Central Power Services won the Leadership Team of the Year at the 2012 BIBA’s Award Ceremony in Preston on August 31.
He is a valued member of the Graduates of LEAD Development (GOLD) Programme, which helps members become a better strategic business leader with help from Lancaster University and peer-to-peer support from fellow owner-managers. This is a follow-on programme from LEAD, a ten month programme for owner-managers of SMEs.
He hosted his fellow GOLD members (Gill Hall of Butlers Cheese, Adrian Cresswell of AM Contract Services, Fiona Barr of Robinson’s Leisure and Andy Hooper of Westlakes Engineering) at his table to celebrate his award.
Stuart told us “I entered for three awards back in October 2011 and made it to the final (last 6) of all three, winning the leadership team. The other awards I entered were: Small Business of the Year & Change 4 Growth. I was chuffed to bits to reach the final of all three. Our company is 26 years old and believe it or not, this is the first time we have felt confident enough to enter an award competition.”
This year’s BIBA awards, sponsored by Lancaster University Management School, attracted over a thousand entries from many of Lancashire’s top performing companies.
Stuart added “The award has made the whole company very proud and is real recognition of all the changes and growth we have made over the last 2 years. It is very true to say I couldn’t have done it without LEAD & GOLD and my GOLD co directors. We want to win the other two awards next year but I have a feeling some of my GOLD cohort will be chasing the same awards!”
Dr Ellie Hamilton, Associate Dean for Enterprise Engagement and Impact, presented Business woman of the Year Award to Janet Thornton of Inspired Energy.
Dr Hamilton said: “The BIBAs provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase Lancashire’s business excellence, highlighting the strength and vibrancy of the Lancashire business community and its valued contribution to the country.”
LUMS also sponsored four of the Entrepreneurs-in-Residence who were invited as guests ( Joe Hall of Halls Food Group, Peter McGuiness of DRM Industrial Fabrics, Mark Woodward of The Paper Cup Company, Brian Gregory of Safety Management UK).
The awards were launched to find the county’s top business gurus, companies, employers and entrepreneurs, supported by a prestigious range of sponsors and partners.
Chief Executive of North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Babs Murphy, said: “Lancashire’s success and prosperity is dependent on the strength and vibrancy of its business community. Those at the forefront of business success are sometimes less than forthcoming about publicising their achievements. These awards acknowledge our local businesses outstanding performance in the global marketplace and I would like to congratulate all the winners on their superb achievements”.
