Awards are a symbol of success and hard work

Geoff Clarke, MD of Tunnel Engineering Services (UK)

AS the 2016 Oldham Business Awards approach, finalists and sponsors are telling the Chronicle about the significance of taking part.

The awards take place at Queen Elizabeth Hall on Friday, May 13, hosted by actor and comedian John Thomson.

There are 11 categories and this year’s finalists include Derker-based Tunnel Engineering Services (UK) which is shortlisted for Business of the Year (£1m to £5m turnover)

Managing director Geoff Clarke. who is also shortlisted for Business Person of the Year, said: “Being nominated feels really good. It’s great to have recognition from others who think we are doing a good job. It’s a great salute to the company and staff, who try to do a quality job every day. It also highlights the importance of manufacturing.

“Although I’m a bit nervous about being a finalist myself, it’s also nice to get personal recognition for running a business and looking after the staff, management and clients.

“We’re looking forward to the ceremony and have booked a table. We plan to take staff, our bank manager and some clients.”

Chadderton-based ZenOffice is a finalist in the Business of the Year (turnover above £10m) category.

Bruce Davie, managing director, said: “Everyone at ZenOffice is really excited about being a finalist in the One Oldham Business Awards. We are proud to be based in Oldham and a high percentage of our employees live in the borough.

“We entered the awards for many reasons. To support Oldham and help raise its profile in the North-West, for the networking opportunities amongst other finalists and to celebrate our business success.

“We have a table booked for the ceremony, which includes myself, our sales director, company secretary, marketing manager, purchasing manager and account managers.

“It is going to be a fabulous evening which showcases the talented businesses based in Oldham.

“We are proud of our achievements and it would be a tremendous accolade and testament to everyone’s hard work if we were to win. “

Emma Alexander, managing director of Unity Partnership, said: “We are delighted to sponsor the category of Business Person of the Year at this year’s Oldham Business Awards.

“The range and quality of the entries was inspiring, reflecting the breadth of talent and the diversity of our local communities. The Oldham business community has some great stories to tell and we are looking forward to hearing many of them at the event in May.

“Unity Partnership is a joint venture between Oldham Council and Kier. As the local authority’s strategic partner, it’s our role to help it deliver great services to local businesses and residents in the borough, and to help build an environment where businesses can thrive and grow.

“As a part of Kier Group, we are also investors in Oldham through our shared service centre, which employs a local workforce to deliver support to the business and its clients throughout the UK.

“We are proud to be part of Oldham’s business community and to celebrate success in the borough at the One Oldham Business Awards.”

More finalists will appear in next week’s business page.

For award ceremony table bookings and any remaining sponsorship opportunities, visit oldhambusinessawards.co.uk