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Hopes are high for a strong return to celebrate South Bank business success as the Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards embrace 2023.

A Les Miserables theme will grace Scunthorpe’s Baths Hall in May, when 14 accolades are presented to high performing companies. And organiser Anne Tate, northern Lincolnshire manager for Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, is hoping to hit the 420 capacity after a steady post-Covid return for the in-person event in 2022.

“It would be lovely to see a return to pre-pandemic levels,” Ms Tate said. “We had a good show the first time back, with 360 at Grimsby Auditorium, where we have had 500 previously. We have West End performers, and we’re using performing arts students from two higher education providers, North Lindsey College and Grimsby Institute.

Read more: Reminisce with Business Live on the Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards 2022

“Les Miserables is one of the longest-running musicals in the West End, and the most well known song is ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, which fits extremely well with business and the entrepreneurial spirit. It is about courage, passion and resilience of human spirit, and what could fit better with the business community?!

“The best musicals and business stories transcend time and place, and Les Miserables ‘let’s the people sing’ - we’ll be letting businesses sing."

'Empty Chairs at Empty Tables' are certainly not part of the plan, with Richard Askam returning as compere, or Master of the House to keep the theme. "We’ve worked really hard to get it back, I’m really passionate about keeping the event fresh,” Ms Tate said, with two new awards added.

“If we don’t support the performing arts and the hospitality industry it will die. People need to, they need to realise going out is good for mental health, good for making business contacts and good for the whole community.”