Oldham Business Awards finalists revealed

Finalists in this year’s Oldham Business Awards have been announced at an unveiling party held at Mazzo in Royton last night (Thursday).

More than 30 businesses and individuals have been shortlisted for the 11 awards, and the winners will be revealed at a glittering gala dinner on September 13, 2024 at Oldham’s iconic Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Now in their 16th year, the awards recognise and reward excellence, acumen and entrepreneurial spirit among the Oldham business community, and also celebrate the contribution local firms make to the social fabric of the borough that includes raising more than £56,000 for local charities.

This year’s awards is the first under the stewardship of new Chair David Wadsworth, MD of Lees-based Cornerstone Design and Marketing, who took over the reins when former Chair Steve Kilroy retired from the role last year.

Mr Wadsworth said: “The Oldham Business Awards showcase the most inspiring organisations and business individuals in the borough.

“Over the years, hundreds of outstanding businesses and the people that make them what they are, have been nominated and shortlisted, with many going on to win a much sought-after award and all the accolades and recognition that come with it.

“We’re also proud to support two organisations providing vital support services in our communities.

"So, once again we’ll be donating funds to Mahdlo Youth Zone and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice this year, with donations being handed over once the event is concluded in September.”

Here is the full list of finalists:

· Business of the Year (£5m-plus): Technology Powered Services; Dronsfields Ltd; Hill’s Panel Products (HPP) Ltd.

· Business of the Year (£1-5m): Fix Auto Manchester East; Oldham Electrical Ltd; Pegasus Warehousing and Fulfilment Ltd.

· Business of the Year (up to £1m): Grains Bar Hotel Ltd; Chances Mentoring Ltd; Sports Physio UK.

· Micro Business of the Year: The Dawn Torrington Award: M&C Risk Solutions Ltd; Be You Styling; CW Dentures.

· Young Business of the Year: The Card Machine Queen; Hale Training Club; Some Like it Hot.

· Start-up Business of the Year: Inclusive Bytes; Roxanne Fontanarosa Dog Behaviour Consultant; Saddleworth Language School Ltd.

· Business Person of the Year: Shereen Howarth, Cornerstone Estates and Lettings Ltd; Iffat Parveen, Personal Home Care Services; Scott Woodhead, Sports Physio UK.

· Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Rubena Begum, Jacksons MW; Hannah Warburton-Vaughan, Cloud Beauty, Uppermill; Callum Siddall, Chances Mentoring.

· Workforce Health and Wellbeing: Diodes Incorporated, Seftons Ltd, Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

· Community Engagement: Cornerstone Estates and Lettings Ltd; Lees Village Service Station; M Group Manchester Ltd.

· Supporting Young People: Hill’s Panel Products (HPP) Ltd, Diodes Incorporated, Oldham Community Leisure.

Every year the Oldham Business Awards steering group - a team of dedicated business professional volunteers who hail from a diverse range of locally based businesses have the unenviable task of judging and selecting the winners.

The steering group also selects three nominees for the non-entered Special Recognition Award, choosing candidates who they feel have gone above and beyond in their business activities and achievements.

Mr Wadsworth added: “Huge congratulations to all our finalists, and we wish them good luck for the big night itself, when we really will be choosing the best of the best.

“Our thanks go to every business and individual who has entered into the awards, and my thanks go to everyone on the OBA steering group for all the hard work they have put into this process.”

This year’s headline sponsor is Albion House Wealth Management, joined by Oldham Council, which has supported the awards since their inception, and Rowan Ashworth Ltd.

Another stalwart sponsor which has supported the event since inception in 2008, and continues its support is Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers.

This year’s host is yet to be announced but the event is renowned for attracting celebrities from the world of TV and broadcasting, such as last year’s host Jon Culshaw, making his second appearance at the awards.

The awards night is always a highlight in the borough’s social calendar, annually selling out to around 600 guests, who enjoy a drinks reception, a pre-show casino, awards ceremony and dance-fuelled after-party.

You can read more about all of this year’s finalists on the Oldham Business Awards website, and you can also keep up-to-date with the latest Oldham Business Awards news on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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