Lancashire’s scaleup growth a ‘real success story’, says expert as BIBAs award deadline nears

Nikki Whittle, partner at leading independent law firm Brabners, was speaking as Lancashire’s most driven and high‑growth businesses prepare to take centre stage with the return of the Scale‑Up Business of the Year category at the prestigious BIBAs awards.

This award shines a spotlight on organisations that have successfully transitioned from start‑up to scale‑up, celebrating those demonstrating significant growth, forward‑thinking innovation, and leadership teams equipped to deliver long‑term, sustainable success.

Scaling a business is a formidable challenge, a journey filled with potential but marked by complex hurdles that require strategic vision, agility, and experienced leadership.

The BIBAs is Lancashire’s longest-running business awards and the ceremony has become a staple night in Lancashire’s business calendar. The deadline for entry for this year’s awards is March 27.

Across the county, the scale‑up community continues to flourish, but the crucial role these businesses play in driving the region’s economic strength often goes unseen.

Brabners is the sponsor of this year’s category and is celebrating its third year of supporting the BIBAs.

Nikki Whittle, partner at Brabners, said: “The growth of Lancashire’s scale up economy is a real success story, with the latest figures showing an average growth in scaleup density of 2.8 scaleups per 100,000 population over the past decade.

“Our expert team supports hundreds of scaleup owners and leaders in Lancashire in both their professional and personal lives, so sponsoring the scaleup category is a natural fit for us.

Nikki also discussed the potential growth benefits for companies in entering the BIBAs as they continue to expand at pace.

“The opportunity to win an award is just one of a wide range of reasons to enter,” she said.

“The entry process forces companies to benchmark themselves against other leading businesses in Lancashire, which often prompts leaders to reflect on where they can further improve operations, innovate or do things differently.

“Just being shortlisted as a BIBAs finalist is also a brilliant independent recognition of a company’s achievements. It brings huge brand credibility both within and outside Lancashire, which can open doors to new clients, partners and talent.”