The Collaborative Network are proud to announce the launch of the LGBTQ+ Awards and FLOWERS Ball.
The awards aim to highlight the exceptional contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, and foster a sense of unity and collaboration. These new awards will provide a unique opportunity to connect, share experiences, create platforms for individuals to shine and forge lasting relationships.
The event will feature 14 awards categories opening to individuals, community groups and businesses including the Rising Star Award, LGBTQ+ Ally Award, Community Impact Award, three Business of the Year categories and the Drew Cockton Entrepreneur of the Year, in memory of Drew Cockton who founded the North West LGBTQ+ Business Awards.
The Collaborative Network CIC – founded by Josef Hollywood, a radio presenter at Capital FM and the founder of the successful media agency Ocular Media, along with Mike Skeggs, co-founder of Owen Drew, the Dragons Den winning business – is designed to enhance connections within the business and community through a support network and sign-posting service that connects businesses, business leaders and employees together with other professional services to allow an LGBTQ+ focused approach regarding LGBTQ+ matters which arise.
Mike Skeggs said:
“Josef and I are excited to introduce the LGBTQ+ Awards and FLOWERS Ball, an event spearheaded by The Collaborative Network to celebrate the remarkable achievements within our community. These awards are more than just accolades; they serve as a powerful platform to build and strengthen our networks through the medium of recognition and peer support.”
Josef Holywood explained:
“Why FLOWERS? Flowers symbolise the growth, collectiveness, diversity, and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community, showcasing how individuals and identities come together beautifully – much like a bouquet. We invite you to join us in this celebration, to recognise the positive impact made by our peers, and to contribute to the growth and cohesion of our vibrant community.”
The LGBTQ+ Awards are open for nomination with submissions being welcomed until midnight on Friday 16 August 2024.
Full details on how to enter and the entry form can be found on The Collaborative Network website https://www.thecollaborativenetwork.co.uk/flowersawards
After a period of judging the finalists will be announced in September 2024 with winners being revealed at the FLOWERS Ball on Friday 18 October 2024 at the Rum Warehouse, Titanic Hotel Liverpool.
The awards are supported by Ocular Media, Owen Drew and Cool Breeze Agency. To learn about a range of sponsorship opportunities contact katie@coolbreezeagency.com
The full list of awards categories is:
- Rising Star Award – This award will celebrate the achievements of an individual in business or the community, under the age of 30.
- Diversity Champion Award – This will be awarded to an individual who goes above and beyond to encourage diversity and inclusion to the benefit of their community or business.
- LGBTQ+ Ally Award – This award will be presented to an individual who is an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Community Impact Award – LGBTQ+ businesses and their supporters across the North West go above and beyond to make their community a better place to live and work. This prize will be awarded to an individual who makes a real difference to the lives of people in their area.
- Hospitality Personality of the Year -This award honours an individual who is a shining light in the hospitality industry.
- Creative Industries Personality of the Year – This award honours an individual who has demonstrated outstanding creativity, vision, and leadership in the creative industries.
- Drew Cockton Entrepreneur of the Year -Starting a business requires immense courage, bravery and often involves huge personal sacrifice. We celebrate those individuals who have created a successful business or businesses.
- Best Employer Award – This prize will be awarded to an LGBTQ+ employer or ally that goes above and beyond to make their business a truly great place in which to work.
- Network / Support Group of the Year – This award honours a network or support group that has had a beneficial impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
- Start Up Business of the Year – Open to all inspirational LGBTQ+ owned or allied businesses that have been trading for less than 2 years.
- SME Business of the Year – Open to all inspirational LGBTQ+ owned or allied businesses with under 50 employees that have been trading for less than 2 years.
- Large Business of the Year – Open to all inspirational LGBTQ+ owned or allied businesses with more than 50 employees that have been trading for less than 2 years.
- Inspirational Leader of the Year – Our judges will be looking for LGBTQ+ individuals or allies who exemplify the traits of a great leader, no matter what their role.
- Lifetime Achievement Award – This award will celebrate an LGBTQ+ individual or ally of the community who has achieved remarkable things, either in their personal life or their professional career.