From The Ballroom To The Judging Table
Last year, we sat in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom dressed up, slightly nervous, and very proud to be part of the BIBAs.
We were named Highly Commended in the Creative, Digital & Marketing Business of the Year category, which meant a lot to us, especially in our 21st year in business no less! More than anything though, it was a brilliant night for the team. A chance to step away from the day-to-day, celebrate together, and recognise the strength of businesses across Lancashire.
This year, things feel a little different…we’re really pleased to share that our Managing Director, Sam Fletcher, has been invited to join the judging panel for the 2026 BIBAs. It’s a proud moment for him and for all of us at 21Digital.
The BIBAs are a huge part of Lancashire’s business calendar. They recognise the companies and individuals who are pushing boundaries, creating opportunities, and building something that lasts. So to be invited to help assess and celebrate those businesses is an honour!
Seeing it from the other side
Having gone through the process ourselves, we know how much time and thought go into entering the awards. You take a step back and properly look at what you’ve built. You reflect on the challenges, the progress, the people behind it all.
Now Sam gets to meet the businesses doing exactly that. There’s no shortage of great companies here in our little pocket of the North. Lancashire is full of ambitious, hardworking teams building impressive things across all kinds of industries. The BIBAs give those businesses a platform, and it’s always good to see them recognised properly.
“It’s an honour to be asked to judge this year’s BIBAs. Having been there as a finalist and Highly Commended last year, I know how much it means to the teams involved. I’m looking forward to meeting some of the businesses helping drive Lancashire forward.” – Sam Fletcher, Managing Director
A night the team won’t forget
If you were there with us last year, you’ll know it wasn’t just about the result. It was about the atmosphere in the room. Hundreds of Lancashire businesses under one roof, all there because they’d built something worth recognising.
Being named Highly Commended was a proud moment for us. It felt like recognition of the work the team puts in day in, day out. But what stuck with us most was the night itself.
The team made a proper occasion of it. Suits out, dresses on, everyone scrubbed up a bit differently to the usual office look. We had a great night together. Plenty of laughs, a few nerves before our category was announced, and a real sense of pride seeing Lancashire businesses celebrated on that stage.
There’s something powerful about taking a step back from the day-to-day and remembering that we’re part of a much bigger business community. There’s no shortage of ambition, creativity and resilience in our neck of the woods. The BIBAs bring that into one room and shine a light on it.
That’s why this judging role means something. It’s not about status. It’s about playing a small part in recognising the people building great businesses across the county.
Looking ahead to 2026
We’ll still be there this year, but with a slightly different perspective. Instead of waiting to hear our name, we’ll be supporting the process and looking forward to seeing which businesses step into the spotlight. We know how much work goes into an entry. We know the conversations that happen behind the scenes, the challenges that don’t always make it into the submission, and the graft it takes to grow something sustainable.
So to everyone entering this year, genuinely, good luck. Lancashire has some brilliant businesses, and it’s always good to see them celebrated properly.
And Sam, we’ll be watching!
At 21Digital, we specialise in lead generation and e-commerce, delivering results-driven services like web design, web development, SEO, Google Ads, digital consultancy, social media marketing, and email marketing and more. So, if you’re looking for a team that’s as dedicated to your success as you are, get in touch – we’d love to help you reach your goals in 2026!
