Fishermen's Friends owner honoured '¨in business awards

Mrs Doreen Lofthouse OBE got a lifetime achievement award for her work at Fleetwood-based Fisherman’s Friend and with the community.

It was one of 15 awards handed out in a glittering ceremony at the Marine Hall in Fleetwood to shine the spotlight on all that is best in business in Wyre.

The event, which attracted 100 nominations and was sponsored by the NPL Group, Regenda Housing and Freeport Fleetwood, was attended by 250 businesses from across the area, partner organisations, event sponsors and award judges.

Robert McFarlane, Chairman, NPL Group said: “NPL Group recognises that all sizes and types of businesses play an important role in the Wyre economy. Hillhouse Business Park in Thornton has recently been announced as one of the Government’s new Enterprise Zones.

“Many companies on the site are world class standard and we hope to continue to grow and attract further investment, contributing even further to the local economy and providing jobs for local people.”

Amanda Elliott of Freeport said: “We have worked hard to create a reason for shoppers from across the North West to visit Fleetwood and are delighted by our success in contributing to the reinvigoration of the area as part of a vibrant retail community.”

The judging panel included principal of Myerscough College Ann Turner, station director of Radio Wave Paula Davies and Scott Carswell of NPL Group.

Christopher Standish, regeneration and place manager at Regenda, said: “The Regenda Group are proud sponsors of the awards. We want the great work of local people and businesses to be acknowledged to a wider audience.

“With a turnover of £50m and a growing portfolio of homes and services we are doing our bit to build a better Wyre.”

Councillor Peter Murphy, cabinet member with responsibility for economic development at Wyre Council, said: “We have recognised for a long time that we have a lot of fantastic businesses in Wyre and the Wyre Business Awards ceremony is our way of saying thank you to our local businesses. For a small borough we really do punch above our weight on a business level and we intend to go a lot further. Wyre really is a great place to live, work, visit and invest.”

“A big thank you to the main event sponsors, all those that donated prizes for the raffle in aid of the Mayor of Wyre’s charities, which raised over £1,000, and additional event sponsors Links Signs and Graphics and Fleetwood Festival of Transport.