Oldham Business Awards announce 2025 finalists and DJ, comedian and actor Justin Moorhouse as this year’s co-host

Finalists in this year’s Oldham Business Awards have been announced at an unveiling party held at Grains Bar Hotel in Oldham – one of last year’s winners.

More than 30 businesses and individuals have been shortlisted for the 11 awards, and the winners will be revealed at a glittering gala dinner on October 3, 2025 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in Oldham.

Entertainment on the night will feature radio DJ, comedian and actor Justin Moorhouse, who will co-host alongside Caroline Whitmore, Granada Reports entertainment correspondent, and the Not Quite Big Band, which created an excellent atmosphere last year.

Now in their 17th year, the awards recognise and reward excellence, acumen and entrepreneurial spirit among the Oldham business community, and also celebrate the contribution local firms make to the social fabric of the borough that includes raising more than £60,000 for local charities.

OBA Chair David Wadsworth, MD of Lees-based Cornerstone Design and Marketing, said: “The Oldham Business Awards showcase the most inspiring organisations and business individuals in the borough.

“As I mentioned at our launch event earlier this year, a survey deemed Oldham to be one of the best places in the UK to start up or relocate a business to, so we should be proud of what we’re achieving as a collective.

“This year has been another amazing year seeing the calibre and quality of business we have in the borough.

"Each year we see new entrants making us us wonder how they’ve gone under the radar for so long, and we see businesses returning, growing and scaling to new heights.

"We have a lot to be proud of as a borough.

“We’re also proud to support two organisations providing vital support services in our communities.

"So, once again we’ll be donating funds to Mahdlo Youth Zone and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice this year, with donations being handed over once the event is concluded in October.”

Here is the full list of this year’s finalists:

* Business of the Year (£5m-plus): Gustaf Creative Ltd; Barlows UK Ltd; Widdop & Co.

* Business of the Year (£1-5m): Oldham Rugby League Football Club; Fit4Sport Ltd; Pacific Financial Solutions.

* Business of the Year (up to £1m): VB Health Ltd; KG Builders & Construction Ltd; CW Dentures.

* Micro Business of the Year – The Dawn Torrington Award: Bittersweet; Shinsei Academy; Collective Travel.

* Young Business of the Year: Spark Oldham; SEE (Oldham) CIC; Eternal Health.

* Start-up Business of the Year: Selfcare with LJ; Nifty UK Radio; The Trapdoor.

* Business Person of the Year: Joanne Nuttall of Breakey & Nuttall; Chris Wibberley of CW Dentures; Barry McLoughlin of BS Entwistle Electrical Contractors Ltd.

* Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Rubena Begum of Jacksons MW/Academy; Olivia Jackson of Flowers by Olivia.

* Workforce Health and Wellbeing: Thrive Wellness Chiropractic; Clear Watch Security; Widdop & Co.

* Community Engagement: Diodes Incorporated; Sports Physio UK; Personal Home Care Services Ltd.

* Supporting Young People: BS Entwistle Electrical Contractors Ltd; Barlows UK Ltd; Positive Steps.

Every year the Oldham Business Awards steering group - a team of dedicated business professional volunteers who hail from a diverse range of locally based businesses - have the unenviable task of judging and selecting the winners.

The steering group also selects three nominees for the non-entered Special Recognition Award, choosing candidates who they feel have gone above and beyond in their business activities and achievements.

Mr Wadsworth added: “My thanks go to every business and individual who has entered into the awards, to the sponsors that help to make them happen and to everyone on the OBA steering group for all the hard work they have put into this process.

“Thanks also to Grains Bar Hotel, worthy winners of last year’s Business of the Year up to £1m award, for putting on such a brilliant evening for us.”

This year’s headline sponsor is Albion House Wealth Management, joined by Oldham Council, which has supported the awards since their inception.

Another stalwart sponsor which has supported the event since inception in 2008, and continues its support is Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers.

The awards night is always a highlight in the borough’s social calendar, annually selling out to around 550 guests, who enjoy a drinks reception, a pre-show casino, awards ceremony and dance-fuelled after-party.

Keep up to date on the Oldham Business Awards website, and via social media on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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