Business First named Small Business Of The Year at charity awards

The accolade was presented to representatives from Business First at a glamorous awards evening, held at Burnley Mechanics last Friday, 1 November.

2019 is the second year that Business First has taken part in the Corporate Challenge, which sees businesses from across the Burnley and Pendle go head to head to raise as much money as possible for Pendleside Hospice.

The total amount raised by the businesses taking part in the challenge amounted to an incredible £146,732.

The challenge takes place over a four-month period during the summer, culminating in the awards ceremony in November, where winners for various categories are announced - along with the total amount raised.

This year, the Business First team raised money in a number of different ways.

Three members of the team - Burnley centre manager, Candy, and marketing team members Alison King and Emma Daffern - took place in the Burnley 10k, receiving sponsorship money which added to the total amount raised.

Emma also participated in the Pendle Pub Walk, raising funds through sponsorship and collecting.

The Business First team also organised a mega raffle which saw more than 70 prizes up for grabs. All prizes were kindly donated by Business First tenants and friends, with staff members working hard to secure prizes which would have mass appeal to raise as much as possible.

The raffle was promoted online and offline, with posters in centres, email marketing and social media campaigns geared around raising money through ticket sales.

Staff from Business First also volunteered at the Pendleside Hospice Carnival In The Park to help towards hospice fundraising. Director Sarah Fretwell and marketing manager Alison King spent the morning running the tin can alley stall at the event, giving up their free time to support the hospice. Both Sarah and Alison also brought along their young daughters, who took part in the children's 3k walk to raise further funds.

Other fundraising activities included cake sales and dress down days.

Business First director Sarah Fretwell said: "We are delighted to have our fundraising efforts recognised by Pendleside Hospice in winning this award. Although we are a small team in terms of staff numbers, we have worked so hard this year to raise as much as we can for a fantastic cause which is close to our hearts. I'm so proud of our efforts and it was heartwarming to see so many local businesses coming together on the night to celebrate their achievements. 

"We look forward to continuing our support for the hospice. Well done to everyone who took part in the challenge!"