Sponsors Support the Community by Backing the 1V Awards
The 1V Awards 2026 shine a powerful spotlight on the inspirational individuals and organisations shaping life in Blackburn with Darwen. This year’s sponsors behind the honours are as passionate as the nominees themselves. Through heartfelt reflections, they reveal why supporting these awards goes far beyond sponsorship, capturing the stories, purpose and community spirit that make each accolade a true celebration of those who make a lasting difference.
The Aya Hachem Young Person of the Year Award, sponsored by Blackburn College, recognises exceptional young leaders who demonstrate resilience, integrity and an unwavering commitment to their community.
Dr Fazal Dad CBE shared why this category holds such significance.
“We are proud to sponsor the 1V Young Person of the Year Award because it celebrates exceptional young leaders who are shaping a better future for Blackburn and beyond. These remarkable individuals show integrity, resilience and a strong commitment to their community working to overcome challenges, promote cohesion and inspire others. As an organisation dedicated to transforming the life chances of young people, we are committed to helping learners become confident, skilled and ready for their future careers. We ensure students are at the centre of an exceptional educational experience. Supporting this award reflects our belief in the potential of young people – and our pride in those already making a powerful difference in their hometown.”
The 1V Group of the Year 2026, sponsored by Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone, celebrates the collective spirit that drives grassroots organisations forward. Leon Crosby, CEO of the Youth Zone, expressed the importance of recognising these groups who power community action across the borough.
“The 1V Group of the Year award honours the extraordinary grassroots organisations whose collective efforts bring our community to life. These groups champion local and region wide projects, uplift those who need support most, and help ensure Blackburn remains a place defined by goodwill, collaboration, and positive change. Their dedication strengthens the very foundations of our town, and we are proud to celebrate all that they make possible.”
The 1V Health Award 2026, supported by Spring North, highlights the organisations and individuals creating healthier, more resilient communities and a recognition deeply aligned with Spring North’s work across the VCFSE sector.
The commitment to growth and opportunity also shines through the 1V Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by SP Electricity North West. Stephanie Trubshaw emphasised how meaningful this sponsorship is for the company and the wider region.
“Sponsoring this award is about more than recognition, it’s about investing in people and strengthening our communities. Apprenticeships open doors for individuals to gain real-world experience and structured learning, creating pathways to success. Here in Blackburn, our own award-winning apprenticeship programme reflects this commitment, making it a natural fit for us to champion opportunities that shape the future workforce. This also provide us a great opportunity to promote careers within our organisation and support the North West.”
The 1V Man of the Year 2026 Award is proudly sponsored by The Exchange Blackburn, the newly redeveloped venue for the 2026 Awards Dinner. Dr. Alastair Murdoch shared his excitement not only for the award but for hosting such a significant event.
“We’re truly honoured to sponsor the 1V Man of the Year 2026 award and can’t wait to meet this year’s remarkable finalists. We’re also absolutely delighted that One Voice Blackburn has chosen The Exchange for the 2026 awards dinner. It’s especially meaningful for us, as this will be the very first event held in the hall since the entrance refurbishment.”
Empowerment and solidarity are at the heart of the 1V Woman of the Year 2026 Award, sponsored by McM Accounting.
For Malgorzata McManus, supporting this category carries personal meaning: “As a woman, sponsoring the 1V Woman of the Year award feels both empowering and humbling. It gives me the chance to stand behind women who are breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible. Honouring their stories reminds me of the strength that comes from community, and the incredible things we can achieve when we champion one another.”