The Collaborative Network announce LGBTQ+ Awards and FLOWERS Ball

The Collaborative Network has announced the launch of the LGBTQ+ Awards and FLOWERS Ball, set to honour the exceptional contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies while fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the community.

The LGBTQ+ Awards and FLOWERS Ball provide a unique opportunity for individuals, community groups, and businesses to connect, share experiences, and forge lasting relationships.

The event will feature 14 award categories open to individuals, community groups, and businesses, including:

Rising Star Award
LGBTQ+ Ally Award
Community Impact Award
Three Business of the Year categories
Drew Cockton Entrepreneur of the Year (in memory of Drew Cockton, founder of the North West LGBTQ+ Business Awards)

These categories are designed to highlight and celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions within the LGBTQ+ community.

The Collaborative Network CIC, founded by Josef Hollywood and Mike Skeggs, is dedicated to enhancing connections within the business and community sectors.

Josef Hollywood, a radio presenter at Capital FM and founder of the successful media agency Ocular Media, along with Mike Skeggs, co-founder of the Dragons Den-winning business Owen Drew, have created this network to support LGBTQ+ matters in business through a comprehensive support network and sign-posting service.

This service connects businesses, business leaders, and employees with professional services, promoting an LGBTQ+ focused approach to various issues.

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 Hollywood said:

“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 recognize the positive impact made by our peers, and to contribute to the growth and cohesion of our vibrant community.”

Nominations for the LGBTQ+ Awards are now open, with submissions being welcomed until midnight on Friday, 16 August 2024. Don’t miss this opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible achievements within the LGBTQ+ community.

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.