Pleasure Beach boss celebrates being named Lancastrian of the Year at business awards
A prolific Blackpool business owner has spoken out after receiving a prestigious award, celebrating their lifetime achievements and contribution to the Lancashire area.
Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort was named Lancastrian of the Year on Friday September 18 at the BIBAs, Lancashire’s premier business award ceremony.
The Lancastrian of the Year trophy, slated to be ‘the one they all want to win’, is chosen by a selection of former winners and recognises exceptional contributions made by an individual to Lancashire’s business community.
Upon handing the accolade, BIBA (Be Inspired Business Awards) organisers praised Thompson for her innovation within the business and leisure industry, her unwavering resilience in the face of adversity faced within the tourism sector and dedication to providing a variety of entertainment forms to the area.
Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort said: “My motivation is not only to keep our business moving forward, but to create a destination that Lancashire can both prosper from and be proud to be home to. To receive a trophy of such high-profile is a massive honour, one that I am truly humbled to be receiving.”
Since 2004, Amanda Thompson OBE has led Pleasure Beach as CEO, becoming the fourth generation of her family to take the reins and one of the few females to hold that title within the theme park industry. Under her direction, the seaside resort has continued to cement its place as one of Lancashire’s most popular attractions and largest employer within its tourism sector.
Thompson’s expert vision has helped the park make significant strides over the past year, introducing its newest ride, Aviktas, a £8.72M investment which has already been herald as one of the industry’s top attractions by experts upon its opening in May.
Her industry achievements also extend beyond theme parks, showing commitment towards bringing fresh and exciting shows to Blackpool. As President of Stageworks Worldwide Productions, Amanda has over 20 years of experience directing shows, annually bringing a variety of productions to the seaside town, including Christmas pantomimes and the world-rennowned Hot Ice show – an ice skating spectacle that has been a staple at the Pleasure Beach for the past 90 years.
Speaking on her commitment to live theatre, Thompson said: “I’ve been lucky enough to produce theatre all over the world, and I’m determined to bring the very best of it to Blackpool, an area with a rich history in live entertainment.
“Ice skating has been a huge part of Pleasure Beach’s identity since my grandfather first introduced it here in 1936. I hope our shows can give young audiences their first taste of live theatre and continue to bring a unique experience to our wonderful area.”
The Lancastarian of the Year award adds another impressive achievement to an already extended list of professional accolades – having previously received the OBE for her services to tourism in Her Majesty the Queen’s 2012 New Year’s Honours list.