Lancashire digital firms need to sing their praises

Stephen Hart, director at Lytham-based InterSys Micronics, said the county had a thriving industry of digital businesses which are amongst the most innovative in the region, but are competing against larger clusters in neighbouring Manchester and Merseyside.

He said the county’s universities had a major part to play in delivering skills and innovative new businesses through clusters like the InfoLab at Lancaster University and the University of Central Lancashire’s Media Factory.

InterSys is the sponsor of the Best Use of IT Business of the Year category at this year’s Be Inspired Business Awards, the BIBAs, which hosts its awards’ ceremony on September 15.

Mr Hart said: “There are digital businesses out there in Lancashire which are competing not only with their regional peers but out-performing the competition across the world.

“But whereas places like Media City in Manchester attract attention, Lancashire’s clusters do not have the same shop window and that is why we need to shout louder about our success stories and achievements.

“The BIBAs is exactly the type of place where these businesses can get recognition and then, armed with one of the most prestigious business awards around, they can go out and shout about their achievements.”

The BIBAs will be handed out in front of a sell-out crowd at The Blackpool Tower next month.

Babs Murphy, chief executive at the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: “With top class entertainment, a sumptuous meal, a first-class venue and, of course, the real stars of the show, the business community of Lancashire, the BIBAs 2017 will not disappoint.”

“I am delighted we have sold out for another year proving the BIBAs really are the ‘ones they all want to win’.”