High-profile association backs awards

OLDHAM’S pioneering Asian Business Association is the latest sponsor of the Oldham Business Awards.

The 700-member group, which represents the interests of BME businesses and organisations, is to back the Business Man of the Year category — ensuring that each of the awards now has a main sponsor.

Board members are actively encouraging their members to submit entries for these inaugural awards, which will culminate with the biggest celebration of Oldham business that the borough has ever seen.

This is the gala presentation dinner at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham, on Friday, April 3, for which more than 250 tickets have already been sold.

Winners will be handed trophies and prizes by the sponsors during a glittering ceremony packed with entertainment and surprises.

Explaining the reasons why the association is backing the awards, ABA vice-chairman Bharat Sissodia said: “It is important that the role of the business community in Oldham is recognised for the contribution it makes to the wellbeing of the borough.

“As an organisation, we recognise this and we are delighted to be involved in the frontline of these awards.

“We want to see not only ABA members pursuing this recognition but every business in Oldham.”

Former chair and now an ABA board member, G K Kumpavant, added: “There is no doubt that the ABA’s own awards have, over the years, helped increase the profile of the many Asian businesses which have been rewarded and recognised.

“Now it is time to support these Oldham-wide awards and I hope that every segment of Oldham’s business sector gets involved.

“We are all looking forward to what should be a fantastic evening.”

Entry forms can be downloaded via the Oldham Chronicle website — www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk. Just click on the awards panel and scroll through the entry criteria.

A mailshot of more than 2,300 entry forms has been posted to businesses in the borough.

Anyone struggling to access a form, or who would like more information or tickets for the gala dinner, can call Martyn Torr on the business desk or Steve Duthie, the Oldham Evening Chronicle’s promotions manager, on 0161-633 2121.