Awards teamwork reaps its reward...

STAFF at BAE Systems, Chadderton, are celebrating after their contribution to the success of the inaugural One Oldham Business Awards was recognised.

A senior manager who attended the gala presentation dinner was so impressed that he nominated BAE personnel on the steering committee for a bronze in the Chairman’s Awards.

The assessing panel was equally impressed by the contribution of Chadderton site general manager Steve Kilroy, from Chadderton, communications manager Louise Laughton, from Littleborough, alongside administration personnel Jayne Fisher, from Moorside, Hazel McGregor, from Royton and Sue Dawson, from Chadderton.

The team will receive their reward at a presentation dinner at the De Vere Heron’s Reach Hotel, Blackpool, in October.

Mr Kilroy said: “A colleague who was a guest at the dinner made inquiries about the level of BAE involvement, which was acknowledged several times during the evening.

“He recognised that we had made a significant contribution, which those of us that were involved were perhaps too close to realise, and made the nomination.

“We were delighted when the panel awarded the team a bronze. This is the first stage of an awards system which recognises the most innovative ideas at silver and gold levels.

Entered in the “Transferring Best Practice” category, the BAE Chadderton contribution is already in the running for a silver award and a panel will assess the contribution at a meeting at Wharton Aerodrome today.

Should the team be successful, they will attend a second gala dinner in Manchester in November.

Ms Laughton said: “When we were approached initially we were asked to sponsor a prize category.

“The team quickly realised benefits that could accrue for the business community of Oldham and offered to help.

“We are delighted to have played a part in what was an hugely successful event . . . especially so as our colleagues have recognised our contribution.”

Preparations for the second One oldham Business Awards are already under way with BAE hosting two meetings of the steering group at Chadderton ahead of the gala dinner at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham, on Friday, April 23, next year.