Blackpool Pleasure Beach CEO named Lancastrian of the Year at the BIBAs - plus all the winners

Lancashire’s business community shone bright under the famous Blackpool lights as the BIBAs celebrated the county stars.

The resort’s iconic Tower Ballroom, packed with more than 1,000 guests, gathered to cheer on the highlight of the county’s business year and 20 winners were crowned “the one they all want to win.”

First up, before all 20 categories were handed out and the finalists celebrated, the Lancastrian of the Year was presented to Blackpool Pleasure Beach boss, Amanda Thompson OBE.

Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort said: “My motivation is not only to keep our business moving forward, but to create a destination that Lancashire can both prosper from and be proud to be home to. To receive a trophy of such high-profile is a massive honour, one that I am truly humbled to be receiving.”

Since 2004, Amanda Thompson OBE has led Pleasure Beach as CEO, becoming the fourth generation of her family to take the reins and one of the few females to hold that title within the theme park industry. Under her direction, the seaside resort has continued to cement its place as one of Lancashire’s most popular attractions and largest employer within its tourism sector.

Amanda’s expert vision has helped the park make significant strides over the past year, introducing its newest ride, Aviktas, a £8.72M investment which has already been herald as one of the industry's top attractions by experts upon its opening in May.

Her industry achievements also extend beyond theme parks, showing commitment towards bringing fresh and exciting shows to Blackpool. As President of Stageworks Worldwide Productions, Amanda has over 20 years of experience directing shows, annually bringing a variety of productions to the seaside town, including Christmas pantomimes and the world-renowned Hot Ice show - an ice skating spectacle that has been a staple at the Pleasure Beach for the past 90 years.

Speaking on her commitment to live theatre, Thompson said: “I’ve been lucky enough to produce theatre all over the world, and I’m determined to bring the very best of it to Blackpool, an area with a rich history in live entertainment.

“Ice skating has been a huge part of Pleasure Beach’s identity since my grandfather first introduced it here in 1936. I hope our shows can give young audiences their first taste of live theatre and continue to bring a unique experience to our wonderful area.”

The Lancastrian of the Year award adds another impressive achievement to an already extended list of professional accolades - having previously received the OBE for her services to tourism in Her Majesty the Queen’s 2012 New Year’s Honours list.

The Be Inspired Business Awards, organised by the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, got underway following a sumptuous, Lancashire-based four-course meal prepared by long BIBAs suppliers, Campbell & Rowley, before presenter Coleen Nolan welcomed guests before the awards presenters took to the stage.

And it was a hat-trick to celebrate for Chorley-based Group 55 who scooped the top honour of Business of the Year, to go with their Medium business and Scale Up award.

There was double delight for Blackburn College who won the Leadership Team of the Year, as well as Skills Provider.

And speaking of doubles, it was also a brace for Wrea Green-based Heir Salon and Education was took home the Apprentice Team of the Year for the second year running and got their hands on Micro Business of the Year.

Blackpool-based VARS Technology took home Innovative Business as well as Small Business of the Year.

In a hotly contested field, Kelmore won Manufacturer of the Year, with One Fylde next on the stage to collect the Community Business of the Year trophy.

Next up, it was a family affair for Morecambe-based Lunar Refrigeration who won Family Business.

Blackpool Zoo took home the Leisure & Tourism BIBA while Chorley-based Vault Creative won Digital & Marketing Business of the Year.

Full list of BIBAs (Be Inspired Business Awards) winners

Lancastrian of the Year – Amanda Thompson OBE (Blackpool Pleasure Beach)

Manufacturer – Kelmore (Chorley)

Community – One Fylde (Blackpool)

Creative, Digital & Marketing – Vault Creative (Chorley)

Leisure & Tourism – Blackpool Zoo (Blackpool)

Service – The Secret Garden Glamping (Skelmersdale)

Family – Lunar Refrigeration (Morecambe)

Construction – Fox Group (Blackpool)

Innovative – VARS Technology (Blackpool)

Global – Standfast & Barracks (Lancaster)

Scale Up – Group 55 (Chorley)

Employer – Pendle Doors (Darwen)

Leadership – Blackburn College

Low Carbon – Stortec (Clitheroe)

Apprentice Team – HEIR Salon and Education (Wrea Green)

Skills Provider – Blackburn College

New – Beurre Patisserie (St Annes)

Micro – HEIR Salon and Education (Wrea Green)

Small – VARS Technology (Blackpool)

Medium – Group 55 (Chorley)

Business – Group 55 (Chorley)