Firms so proud to support

CHRONICLE managing editor David Whaley (front) with sponsors and dignitaries

THIS year's Pride in Oldham sponsors have spoken of their delight after agreeing to support the popular event.

The Stoller Charitable Trust, Oldham Council, Molnlycke, Rotary Club of Oldham Metro, JW Lees and First Choice Homes join new sponsors the Asian Business Leaders group and Tesco.

Phil Hague of bandage, wound and and surgical products manufacturer Molnlycke said: "We think Pride in Oldham is really important. We usually book a table at the awards ceremony at Queen Elizabeth Hall and have a number of staff attending.

"We are one of the biggest employers in Oldham and the majority of our 150 employees live in the borough. We want to give something back to the community by supporting Pride, which also helps to raise awareness of us to the wider Oldham community and also the local business community."

Steve Lowe, speaking for the Stoller Charitable Trust, said: "Oldham and the people of the borough are very close to Sir Norman Stoller's heart.

Heartland

The charitable trust cannot help everybody but it tries to support the community as widely as possible through supporting Pride, Oldham Business Awards and the Oldham Sport Awards. These awards and activities surrounding them are all about recognising the good things happening here."

Bernadette Cartwright from brewer and restaurant firm JW Lees said: "Our business has Oldham as its heartland. We put people at the fore of everything we do and we are delighted to support Pride in Oldham. These awards are centred on the people of Oldham who are out greatest asset. We are proud to help celebrate the many great things people do every day."

Frank Bolger and Jack Wild represented the Rotary Club of Oldham Metro.

Mr Bolger said: "Pride is very important for the Rotary Club because it helps us to identify local people and community groups who we might work with throughout the year. We have worked with previous winners of Pride and have built up good relationships as a result."

Mr Wild added: "Through meeting these individuals and group linked to Pride, it gives us a good understanding of their various activities and needs, and helps us at the Rotary Club to develop our ideas and projects with the community."

Asset

Muzahid Khan, speaking on behalf of Asian Business Leaders, a networking organisation which organises charity dinners for Oldham mayors and events with business, community, council and political guests, said: "The Pride awards are a great asset to Oldham. They applaud the ordinary people of Oldham who do extraordinary things.

"We think it's very fitting for ABL to come together and show support to the Chronicle and Pride in Oldham to help recognise their achievements and we encourage others to participate."

Representing Tesco stores across the borough, Marie Toora, store manager at Tesco Chadderton, said: "The teams across the stores in Oldham are delighted to be supporting this year's Pride in Oldham awards. Whilst we are dedicated and focused on serving our customers and enhancing their shopping experience in our stores across Oldham, we are also keen to engage with and help to support our local community."

• Check out all our Pride in Oldham pictures on our picture sales page.