Businesses cannot wait for awards

RIBBLE Packaging managing director Stephen Rector

THIS year’s Oldham Business Awards are held at Queen Elizabeth Hall on May 13, hosted by actor and comedian John Thomson.

Ahead of the big night, finalists and sponsors are highlighting the value of taking part or supporting the awards.

Cardboard manufacturer Ribble Packaging is shortlisted for Business of the Year (turnover above £10million).

Managing director Stephen Rector said: “We’re delighted to be a Business of the Year finalist. We’re proud to represent a business that is not only an established part of Oldham’s industrial heritage, but strategically innovative and forward-thinking. We continue to invest in our business year-in, year-out, striving to be the best in our class.”

Delph-based Aspect Fire Solutions is a finalist in the Supporting Young People category.

Business support co-ordinator Nicola Donnelly said: “We’ve been aware of the awards for some time and got involved after taking on new apprentices in the past 12 months.

“We are proud to be expanding apprenticeships and work placements.

“It’s important to highlight the excellent training that our apprentices receive through working daily with our engineers and attending college. Apprenticeships provide a step-up into industry and our fire suppression work is a specialist area of engineering. So it’s really important that young engineers receive top quality training.

“We are also marking our 10th anniversary and keen to boost our relationships with other businesses and the wider community.

“We’re planning to take 10 staff to the awards ceremony including apprentices. We’re looking forward to it.”

Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers is a sponsor and Richard Eastwood, a partner who heads its financial services and wealth management team, has been shortlisted for Business Person of the Year.

Practice manager Joanne Ormston said: “Once again we are proud to be supporting the Oldham Business Awards. This is a really prestigious event and the highlight in the business calendar. There are some really great businesses in Oldham with a global presence which are really putting the borough back on the map.

“Our commercial property team has had its busiest-ever year, which is a sure indication that companies are expanding or moving into the area. We are now really challenging the city centre for professionals, and getting businesses established or developed to realise their full potential. Events like the awards are a boost to the business community.”

Philip Pearson, of Morgan Pearson business advisers, said: “I’m delighted to be a finalis. I’ve attended quite a few awards events across Greater Manchester but was particularly impressed with the Oldham awards.

“I’m born-and-bred in Oldham and want to see the area succeed. Things have got much better in recent years and will continue improving. I work across Greater Manchester and I think support for SMEs in Oldham and Saddleworth is generally better than many other areas. There is a good mix of businesses, support organisations and community initiatives.”

“I’m attending the awards ceremony with my wife and I’m also delighted that two clients are also finalists – Bekky Jackson of Beyond Beauty and Mick Harwood of Suits, Scoots and Boots.”

Some awards night sponsorship opportunities are still available. For details contact Dawn Torrington at info@doingbizforyourself.co.uk or 0161 410 0485.

For other information visit oldhambusinessawards.co.uk.