Man behind choosing Oldham Business Awards winners is now one himself!

The man entrusted with choosing the worthy winners of the Oldham Business Awards since it began, has now found himself in the limelight.

Since 2009, Steve Kilroy has been the spearhead of the OBA steering group whittling down finalists and crowning 11 annual winners at the glitzy gala evening at Queen Elizabeth Hall.

But having retired as steering group chair last year, Steve found himself on the receiving end when the night culminated in the prestigious Special Recognition Award, specially selected by the group and given to someone considered to have gone above and beyond for the borough.

The keen golfer was the former head of business integration at BAE Systems until the Chadderton site closed and was awarded life membership of the Avro 504 Club.

Steve, from Chadderton, said: “This isn’t about me, it’s about Oldham and 15 years ago it was about let’s have a party and celebrate everything that’s good about Oldham.

“We’ve done that for 15 years and I’ve been the chairman, so I’ll take a little bit of credit, but I couldn’t do it without the steering group members and the 30 to 50 business that turn up (each year) to celebrate their businesses, and the 150 that put themselves forward.”

Managing director of Cornerstone Design and Marketing in Lees, David Wadsworth, in his first year leading the steering group after taking over from Steve, said: “Congratulations to Steve – he left some big shoes to fill given his huge contribution to Oldham’s vibrant business community, which makes him a very worthy winner of our Special Recognition Award.

“Well done to all the winners too, but really every finalist is a winner on our eyes, having worked so hard to put Oldham on the business map.

“The evening showcased the brilliant display of business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit that we have in the town. It’s incredibly difficult to select finalists and winners with such a grand array of talent to choose from.

“Our thanks go to everyone who has nominated an individual or a business this year and of course, to all the sponsors who make the night possible and so special.”

It was also a good night for Diodes Incorporated, which won two awards – supporting young people and the workforce health and wellbeing categories.

Katie Wainwright, Diodes Incorporated HR and Business Partner, said: “Winning two awards is absolutely amazing, obviously who we were up against are all fantastic businesses and we’re all trying to achieve the same things for the Oldham community and our employees.

"We have a plan, and this shows it is working – it’s just fantastic!”

Hosted by OBA stalwart Caroline Whitmore of ITV Granada Reports and featuring an hilarious stand-up set from comedian, actor, director and writer Johnny Vegas, the 16th annual awards event recognised business excellence, acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit among Oldham’s business community.

Live music was provided by The Not Quite Big Band during the gala dinner and continued into the night for the post-awards party.

There were also plenty of chances to win some fabulous raffle prizes with all proceeds going to Mahdlo Youth Zone and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

Here is a rundown of all the winners:

· Business of the Year £5m+ - Dronsfields Ltd

· Business of the Year £1m-£5m - Pegasus Warehousing & Fulfilment Ltd

· Business of the Year up to £1m - Grains Bar Hotel Ltd

· Businessperson of the Year - Shereen Howarth of Cornerstone Estates and Lettings Ltd

· Micro Business of the Year - CW Dentures

· Start-Up - Saddleworth Language School

· Young Entrepreneur - Callum Siddall of Chances Mentoring Limited

· Young business - Hale Training Club

· Community Engagement - Lees Village Service Station

· Supporting Young People - Diodes Incorporated

· Workforce Health and Wellbeing - Diodes Incorporated

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