Awards to find cream of the crop

AWARD sponsors including members of the Doing Biz For Yourself group led by Dawn Torrington, far right

THE nominations stage of the 2017 Oldham Business Awards has officially started.

Businesses of all sizes and sectors are being encouraged to enter the wide range of awards which highlight commercial successes, entrepreneurship, skills and community links.

The launch of the entries phase was announced at a networking buffet held at the Blue Tiffin restaurant.

The event was organised by the networking group Oldham Business 100, run by Kashif Ashraf, and the evening's host was Martyn Torr, a key founder of the Oldham Business Awards. Mr Torr is a former Oldham Evening Chronicle business editor who now works with Oldham's New Image events and PR firm.

He said: "We have had 3,000 nominations from businesses over the years and several hundred sponsors.

"The 2017 awards will be the ninth annual awards and we are also looking forward to a fabulous event for the 10th anniversary awards in 2018. The 10th anniversary awards will be bigger and better than ever before."

Mr Torr paid tribute to a number of firms which have sponsored the awards regularly or continuously over the years. They included NatWest, Innovative Technology, Web Applications, Oldham College, Patterson & Rothwell and the Oldham Evening Chronicle.

He also interviewed Daniel Arundel, who explained how success at the Oldham Business Awards and support from the Norman Stoller-backed Oldham Enterprise Trust had helped him develop the Arundel Bakery business.

Daniel (20) said: "Recognition from winning an Oldham Business Award helped me to get set up. It builds up trust around your business and helps young people to be taken more seriously. I'd encourage other young businesses to enter the awards. Don't think twice about it. Take every opportunity that comes your way and run with it."

Daniel's mum spoke of her pride when he received an Oldham Business Award, joking: "When he won I couldn't fit my head through the door!"

NatWest was the first sponsor of the Oldham Business Awards and remains a sponsor today.

Proud

NatWest relationships manager Adam Husband, who is also a member of the Oldham Business Awards steering group, said: "I deal with 60 or so businesses in this area and we are really proud to be sponsors of the awards. We have a lot of customers in the Oldham borough and it's a great place to do business.

"Firms such as James Briggs, Ryder & Dutton, Zen Office and Innovative Technology have all previously been nominees and winners, and the awards offer the perfect opportunity to showcase your business and enjoy the benefits."

He cited another example of last year's double award-winner Tunnel Engineering Services (UK) and managing director Geoff Clarke. Through being introduced to award judges, sponsors and contacts at a NatWest dinner for award-winners, the Derker-based engineering firm received expert advice and a funding package allowing it to expand its manufacturing site and remain in Oldham.

Mr Husband emphasised: "This is a real success story which came as a direct result of entering the Oldham Business Awards."

He added: "The awards now offers a calendar of events through the year for sponsors, businesses and nominees. These include receptions, the Oldham Corporate Quiz, judging visits to shortlisted businesses and the final awards ceremony night at Queen Elizabeth Hall with over 500 guests. NatWest is really proud to be involved in this mutually-beneficial relationship with the awards."

Some new award sponsors were unveiled including Shaw-based sign manufacturer Brand Consortia and the Doing Biz For Yourself networking group.

There are still some sponsorship opportunities remaining and more details can be obtained from the official Oldham Business Awards website or by contacting Dawn Torrington.

The Oldham Business Awards has also raised thousands of pounds for Dr Kershaw's Hospice and Mahdlo Youth Zone.

At the Blue Tiffin event, a £3,250 cheque was presented to Mahdlo chairman Terry Flanagan who said: "We are delighted to be associated with the Oldham Business Awards and really appreciate the generosity of everyone involved. This donation will go towards supporting our vital work with young people across the borough."

Dr Kershaw's received a cheque at a previous awards reception held at Oldham Event Centre in September.

Award nominations should be submitted online through the website oldhambusinessawards.co.uk through November and December. The closing date is January 27.

Other speakers included Danny Simpson, sales director of MID Communications, who outlined his support for the Oldham Business Awards, Pride in Oldham and Oldham Sports Awards over the years; Niall Fogg from Google in Leeds, and Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams.