The One (or Two) They All Want to Win - BIBAs 2025

The Be Inspired Business Awards (BIBAs) are Lancashire’s longest-running and most prestigious business awards. Since their launch in 2008, they have celebrated excellence, innovation, and achievement across the county. Run by the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, the BIBAs celebrate businesses and individuals that excel in their field and empower the local business community. Known as ‘the one they all want to win’, BIBAs are coveted by many but only awarded to those who demonstrate true business excellence.

Every year, applications for the BIBAs open to businesses across Lancashire, and many of the county’s best and brightest enter, vying for a chance to win one of the 20 awards on offer. Award categories include those based on company size, such as ‘Small Business of the Year’, those based on sector, such as ‘Manufacturer of the Year’, and a whole host of other awards related to employment, business innovation, and achievement.

Glasdon entered three categories in total – ‘Business of the Year’, ‘Manufacturer of the Year’, and ‘Global Business of the Year’ – and subsequently became finalists for all three. In addition to the written applications, finalists were put through their paces in a lengthy interview with the judges, followed by an on-site visit to prove they could not just talk the talk, but also walk the walk.

Having jumped each hurdle and entered the final stretch, Glasdon attended the BIBAs ceremony at Blackpool Tower Ballroom on 19th Sept 2025, and waited in the wings alongside scores of other hopeful businesses. Before it was time to announce the winners, guests were first treated to some superb BIBAs hospitality, including a champagne reception, a ‘farm to fork’ gala dinner and special guest entertainment to boot. Then came the main event, the BIBAs ceremony...

After a tense drumroll, Glasdon were declared winners of the ‘Business of the Year’ and ‘Global Business of the Year’ awards, becoming one of only two companies that night to score a double BIBAs victory. Not only that, but our founder – Donald J Sidebottom – won the Lancastrian of the Year trophy in recognition of his lifetime achievements.

It was an unexpected but very welcome honour to receive two prestigious BIBAs, and to be recognised by the judges for our excellence in business. The BIBAs organisers also hailed Donald Sidebottom as “a true Lancastrian success story,” whose work has helped shape both the business landscape and the wider reputation of the county for more than six decades of vision, leadership and innovation.

Accepting the award, Donald Sidebottom paid tribute to his company’s workforce: “When I founded Glasdon in 1959, I couldn’t have imagined the success we’ve achieved today. That success is built on the dedication, passion, and team spirit of all employees who have been part of the Glasdon family.”

Since founding Glasdon in 1959, Donald Sidebottom has overseen the company’s remarkable growth into an international leader in environmental and safety products. Under his leadership, Glasdon has not only built a reputation for design excellence and customer care, but also for its commitment to sustainability, innovation and community. His impact reaches far beyond business, with philanthropy and investment in Lancashire’s people and places forming a central part of his legacy.

Beyond his business achievements, Donald Sidebottom has long emphasised giving back. Glasdon established a formal Charitable Giving Committee in 2003, demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility from an early stage. In 2021, this initiative evolved into the DJ Sidebottom / Glasdon Charitable Programme, enabling the company to amplify its support for charity through donations, product gifting, sponsorships, and volunteering efforts.

The Lancastrian of the Year is reserved as the climax of the BIBAs ceremony, which has become one of the North West’s most high-profile celebrations of enterprise. The BIBAs that Glasdon received further highlight our crucial role in the local business community, our innovative products and strategies, our contributions to charitable giving, our employee care schemes, and our efforts to safeguard the environment.

Thank you to the judges, fellow guests, event staff, sponsors, and the BIBAs themselves, all of whom made the ceremony and experience an unforgettable one. A huge thank you also goes to all our staff and employees, both current and former, who helped build what the business is today.

For more information on The One (or Two) They All Want to Win - BIBAs 2025 talk to Glasdon UK Limited