We’re A Right Pair Of Losers – And Proud Of It!

On Friday night, we glammed up, showed up, and celebrated in true Better Networking Hubs style. We attended the Freshies Awards 2025, held to honour outstanding individuals and businesses across the North West, and the event is set to raise over £20,000 for charity – and what a night it was!

Although we didn’t bring home any trophies, we’re absolutely thrilled to share that we were finalists in some incredible categories.

Better Networking In The Spotlight

Tracy Heatley and Sarah Spedding, from Better Networking Hubs, at The Freshies Awards 2025 making a losers sign seeing the fun side in being finalists but not winning

Our very own Sarah Spedding was shortlisted for the Exceptional Employee award. If you know Sarah, you’ll agree there’s no one more deserving. Her commitment, professionalism, and infectious positivity keep our networking hubs running smoothly. Quite frankly, she’s amazing!

As for me, Tracy Heatley, I was a finalist in the Nifty Networker category. With networking at the heart of everything we do at Better Networking Hubs, it was an honour to be recognised in a category that celebrates building brilliant business connections.

We may not have won, but we were in amazing company. In true Better Networking Hubs fashion, we made the most of the moment – with lots of laughter, plenty of dancing, a few cheeky photos, and some light-hearted banter. Yes, the photo of us making the classic “loser” sign on our foreheads is real. Yes, we’re absolutely using it. And no, we’re not remotely sorry about it.

Supporting Our Members

Sarah Spedding, Leroy Philbrook, Pete Sims, from Blue Rock IT, and Tracy Heatley, pointing to the Blue Rock IT branding who were sponsors of the Freshies Awards 2025

We were especially proud to support our members, Christine Smith, Abi Thompson, and Leroy Philbrook, who were all finalists in their own categories. Watching our networking members shine on such a momentous occasion made the evening even more special.

All monies raised goes to charity, so a massive shout out to our Accrington member, Pete Sims, from Blue Rock IT, for being an event Sponsor.

Why The Freshies Matter

Run with heart, humour, and a whole lot of community spirit, the Freshies Awards stand out for all the right reasons. This year’s event is set to raise over £20,000 for local charities – a phenomenal achievement.

To be a finalist in an awards ceremony that does so much good in the region is something we’ll always be proud of. And to do it alongside colleagues and members we admire makes it even better.

Abi Thompson and Christine SmithCelebrating The Wins That Matter

So no, we didn’t win. But we had a blast! Plus, we raised awareness of the incredible work our team and members do, and came away more inspired than ever.

We’ll wear our finalist badges with pride. And we’ll keep building connections, creating opportunities, and championing our network – trophies or not.

Want To Network With Winners (And Proud Losers)?

If you’d like to meet people who champion each other’s success, even when they don’t win awards, come and visit one of our Better Networking Hubs. From Rossendale and Accrington to Preston and Rochdale, we’re growing fast – and having a lot of fun along the way.

Visit our homepage to learn more, contact us, or check out our latest blog posts for tips, insights, and a few laughs.

We may not have won a Freshie, but we’re still fresh, fabulous, and loving every minute!