Business awards head praise for third sector

Babs Murphy, chief executive at the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said the voluntary sector was “more needed than ever” with austerity putting pressure on communities.

She added that voluntary and community groups across the county were “playing a major role” in helping communities to prosper and thrive.

The Be Inspired Business Awards, the BIBAs, which are run by the chamber, are open for applications to its Third Sector Business of the Year category.

Babs Murphy said: “We see third sector organisations working across Lancashire every day to make a difference and the value of the work they do cannot be underestimated.

"They have always faced challenges in the work they do and the passion they put in to their work has got them through to ensure they are playing a major role in helping people.”

The BIBAs work with voluntary organisations through its BIBAs Foundation, a fund which supports 16-24 year olds to flourish, learn and develop business skills.