The BIBAs... more than just an Award

You can't be sick of hearing about it yet because we haven't shouted about it anywhere near enough, but back in September last year the Fun Experts® became award winners!  The Be Inspired Business Awards (BIBAs) honoured Sunshine Events with the Employer of the Year AND Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility Awards - not a bad night!

Since then, we've had the pleasure of being invited to a number of BIBAs masterclasses meeting other Lancashire based businesses (and winners), attending visits and seeing behind the scenes of some fantastic businesses. Recently, Fun Expert James was able to offer future potential nominees some advice...

The BIBAs recently held their bootcamp at the Imperial Hotel in Blackool; an opportunity for other Lancashire based companies who were looking to enter 2018's awards and what they can expect from the process and the possible win.

As a winner of two awards (and a close runner up for a third - Leisure Business of the Year Award), the BIBAs wanted to offer their guests the opportunity to hear a real world and honest view - a winner's journey. From the initial process of applying, to the judges visit and the night itself but also the impact of winning on the business and its employees.  How has this recognition benefited Sunshine Events?

It's fair to say that as a company, we want a happy workforce and we want to employ and retain the best Fun Experts®. Being recognised as an award winning employer is sure to add to the strength of our own culture, the key attraction when recruiting. This culture is spread across every aspect of our business through our company values, we simply aim to be the type of company we would want to do business with.

This experience has simply made a positive impact in our own world,  we view it as recognition for the hard work we do to make it easy for our customers to organise the best events.

As well as the recognition received and the impact of winning such awards has had for our business, we have been able to meet with other local businesses and get a behind the scenes look of how they operate and continue to succeed in changing times.

Operations Manager Brad and Warehouse Manager Crispin were recently given an insight into the challenges faced by a business which strives to balance the old and traditional with the new and hi-tech. From the tour of the heritage workshops and the beautiful vintage trams to the expanding fleet of the latest Palladium route master buses, Blackpool Transport is a company striving for the future whilst retaining strong links with its past, with its heritage. The visit outlined to the Fun Experts® that no matter what size of business you operate, similar challenges are faced head on in driving a business forward no matter what turnover you have.  

The huge changes Blackpool Transport have put in place regarding how the company view its employees, their interaction with its customers and the local community is something that can only provide a stronger base to grow from. A forward-thinking and hands-on management team with a wealth of industry experience is leading the way forward with a shining light, very much like the illuminations!

As we aim to continue to deliver "Wow!" through service and make the world a more fun place one event at a time, it is inspiring to see so many views shared by other companies and share our own culture and learning also.