Lancashire County Pool Association has congratulated KC’s Pool & Sports Club after the Preston venue was Highly Commended in the New Business of the Year category at the prestigious 2026 Lancashire BIBAs.
For KC’s, the achievement is particularly impressive given just how quickly the club has developed. Owners Ken and Caroline Marland first had the dream for KC’s in December 2024. The doors opened in April 2025 and the venue expanded again with the opening of Tracey’s Lounge in January 2026.
KC’s said that more than 1,000 entries were made to the BIBAs this year, making its runner-up finish and official Highly Commended recognition in the New Business of the Year category a remarkable achievement for a business still so early in its journey.
From new venue to a home for Lancashire pool
For players involved in Lancashire pool, the rapid development of KC’s will already be familiar. The club has established itself as an important cue-sports venue and, crucially for the county association, has become the home of Lancashire County Pool.
That relationship has made KC’s much more than simply another pool venue. It provides a meeting place where players and teams from across Lancashire can compete, socialise and represent their local areas, while giving the growing Interleague programme a dedicated venue in which to develop.
Good venues and the people prepared to invest in our sport are a vital part of a healthy pool community. KC’s has embraced Lancashire pool and welcomed our players from across the county, so it is particularly pleasing to see the business receive recognition beyond the pool table.
Recognition beyond the pool table
Those of us who visit KC’s see the tables, competitions and match days, but building a successful venue also requires an enormous amount of work behind the scenes. It means developing the facilities, looking after customers, supporting staff and creating a sustainable business that people want to return to.
Being Highly Commended in the New Business of the Year category recognises what Ken, Caroline, their staff, project team and supporters have achieved in a very short period.
Ken and Caroline thank the KC’s team
Following the awards, KC’s thanked its staff, project team and supporters far and wide. Ken and Caroline described themselves as two very proud owners and said everyone who had helped the club was responsible for its success.
The official certificate records KC’s Pool & Sports Club as Highly Commended 2026 – New Business of the Year, while KC’s described the result as finishing runner-up in the category.
Congratulations from Lancashire Pool
On behalf of Lancashire County Pool Association, we would like to congratulate Ken Marland, Caroline Marland and everyone at KC’s Pool & Sports Club on an outstanding achievement.
KC’s has provided a home for Lancashire Interleague, supported our players and become an important part of the Lancashire pool community. Seeing that work recognised at one of Lancashire’s best-known business awards is something the wider pool community can celebrate too.
Congratulations, Ken, Caroline and the entire KC’s team — Highly Commended at the Lancashire BIBAs 2026, and a fantastic recognition of everything you have achieved since opening.
KC’s Pool & Sports Club and the BIBAs: frequently asked questions
What recognition did KC’s Pool & Sports Club receive at the 2026 BIBAs?
KC’s Pool & Sports Club was Highly Commended in the New Business of the Year category at the 2026 Lancashire BIBAs. KC’s described the result as runner-up in the category.
When did KC’s Pool & Sports Club open?
KC’s Pool & Sports Club opened in April 2025 after Ken and Caroline Marland’s plans for the venue began in December 2024. Tracey’s Lounge followed in January 2026.
What is KC’s connection with Lancashire Pool?
KC’s Pool & Sports Club is the home of Lancashire County Pool, providing a venue for teams and players from across the county to compete.
Photo: KC’s Pool & Sports Club.