Celebrating young people in business
OUR SUB36
FUTURE LEADERS Arron El
Ammar and Ben Craven Joint managing directors, BCAE Architects, Euxton
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Arron and Ben co-founded BCAE Architects in 2022 and have rapidly grown it from a two-person start-up into a thriving, design-led practice known for its focus on sustainability and innovation.
They’ve expanded the team to nine, secured studio space, rebranded the business and delivered more than 150 residential and commercial projects.
Both have received industry recognition for their leadership – Arron through mentoring and educational outreach, and Ben for championing a seamless, client-focused design process.
The business has been recognised with industry publications and award nominations and is pushing the creative boundaries and is a benchmark for others in the industry to follow.
Benedict Ennis Managing director, Low Carbon Energy, Burnley
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Promoted to managing director in December
2024, Benedict leads a team of 15 office staff and contractors delivering £6m in annual sales.
This year he successfully led the sale of the business to Activ8 Solar Energies, recognising the opportunity to scale with the support of a larger, well-resourced partner.
His strategic thinking and leadership were instrumental in completing the deal and positioning the business for future growth.
DANNY SIMPSON Managing director, MID Communications, MID Digital Solutions, Sales Geek UK and Crystal Consulting
Danny is a multi-award-winning business leader, non-executive director and strategic advisor. As managing director of both MID Digital Solutions and Sales Geek UK, he leads dynamic teams to drive culture and growth.
LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
IEW.CO.UK 29
Courtney Prestage Commercial director, Connections 2energy, Haslingden
Courtney rose from finance assistant
at 21 to commercial director by 28 – a testament to her drive and commitment to the Haslingden-based utilities contractor.
In a male-dominated sector, she stands out for her leadership, resilience and advocacy.
She actively lobbies networks, speaks on industry issues, and has featured on panels including Lancashire Business View’s Built Environment Conference. She’s not just a future leader she’s already shaping the present.
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Dan Wilkins Owner, CAPO, Blackburn
Dan co-founded fashion brand CAPO with Adam Morning in 2017 while both were playing semi-
professional football for Ashton United.
Starting with £250 each and a few hats, they built a men’s athleisure label now ranging from overshirts to trainers. The brand, a footwear partner of Blackburn Rovers, recorded £12.5m in sales to January 2025 and employs 21 people. CAPO was named this year as one of the Sunday Times Top 100 fastest growing businesses.
Continued on Page 60 OUR SUB36 JUDGES
RACHEL BAYLEY Burnley place brand manager,
Burnley.co.uk
Rachel is responsible for branding the borough of Burnley as a place to live, study, visit, work and invest. She manages the
Burnley.co.uk place brand, which includes the 200-member-strong Burnley Bondholders network.
AMY LANCASTER-HALL Group marketing manager, Bowker Motor Group
Amy is an award-winning Chartered Marketer celebrating two decades of experience in the automotive industry this year. Amy leads marketing strategy across the group’s premium franchises of BMW, MINI, Porsche, and BMW Motorrad.
JOHN PICKERVANCE Partner and head of commercial department, Forbes
John advises businesses trading nationally and on an international basis. He leads Forbes’ manufacturing and engineering sector group and represents the practice on the board of LawPact, an international network of law firms.
Deadline: 5 December 2025
redroseawards.co.uk @redroseawards #RRA26
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