Digital power will help Lancs through virus crisis

Businesses across the county unable to open have been using social media, video conferencing and websites to keep trading with millions of people staying at home along with health guidelines.

Mark Oulson-Jenkins of digital business Studio RTR said the innovation shown was evidence of the ability of businesses to respond to even the most challenging of circumstances.

Studio RTR is sponsoring the Digital and Marketing Business of the Year category at the Be Inspired Business Awards, The BIBAs, which is open for applications until the end of July.

Mr Oulson-Jenkins of Studio RTR said: "We have had people buying digital pints whilst playing pub quizzes, fitness instructors launching digital workouts for clients staying home and all kinds of new delivery services.

"It not only demonstrates the ability of businesses to respond to these challenges, it shows the willingness of people to support local businesses and the opportunities which digital offers to grow your business.

"I hope that there are many businesses who will continue to develop these opportunities when things return to normal and that people continue to support these firms."

The BIBAs has 20 prize categories on offer to firms of all sectors and sizes to businesses across Lancashire including a number for specialist sectors.

Its categories include Manufacturer of the Year, Engineering Business of the Year and Transport and Distribution of the Year.

Due to the impact of the shutdown, The BIBAs has extended its application deadline until July 31, with its awards ceremony taking place at The Blackpool Tower on December 11.

All applications can be started online on thebibas.co.uk website and completed over a period of weeks before being submitted.

Last September, Ann Dean, a former High Sherriff of Lancashire who is involved in a wide range of roles in business, charity and educational organisations, won the awards' lifetime achievement prize, Lancastrian of the Year.

Preston-based Roccia collected the Business of the Year and Garstang-based Hoofcount, which sells chemical baths for cattle, was the only business of walk away with more than one award picking up the Growth Business of the Year and Micro-Business of the Year.