Awards hope for nominees

NOMINATIONS for the third One Oldham Business Awards are starting to flood in at the Chronicle as momentum gathers for the 2011 extravaganza.

Talking Point, the Scouthead conference and hospitality facility, were the first to make a nomination and already others are coming in, reflecting the popularity of the awards.

Once again NatWest, in Yorkshire Street, Oldham, are the awards’ title sponsors, supported by Oldham Council and the Oldham Chronicle.

Steve Kilroy, from BAE Systems in Chadderton, chairman of the steering group, is hopeful that the number of nominations will better last year’s 99.

He said: “Everything is in place for an even bigger and better project that the first two years. There is no doubt that the awards have a place in the business calendar and that winning an award is a real boost for business owners.

“I am hopeful that we can push on towards 250 nominations this time around.”

Everything is in place for the awards to be another towering success. One of last year’s category sponsors has dropped out but plans are in hand to name a replacement in the next few days. Other sponsors have already ensured that the awards will be a financial success for the third successive year, a reflection of the growing confidence in the Oldham economy and the enthusiasm which has gripped the business community. Among the new sponsors for this year are plastic injection moulders and tool makers P&R Ltd, from Mount Pleasant Trading Estate; chartered accountants and business advisers RMS Tenon, who have a number of Oldham clients; Mirror Colour Print, Hollinwood; computer hardware supplier Positive IT Solutions, Chadderton; and chartered accountants Grundy Anderson and Kershaw. J W Lees (Brewers) and Co, from Middleton Junction, are once again sponsoring the champagne reception and will provide wine for each of the 45 tables.