Awards target bumper crop of entries

JANUARY will see a huge push for entries as the 2010 One Oldham Business Awards process kicks in.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the organisers — spearheaded by the Oldham Evening Chronicle — are looking for a another bumper crop of nominations ahead of the black tie gala presentation dinner at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on March 22.

A new award has been added this year, to recognise the most environmentally-friendly business in the borough.

Sponsored by Johnson Group, based in Delph, this award will seek to identify the company or organisation in Oldham doing most to help the environment.

In addition, the steering group — led by BAE Systems Chadderton manager Steve Kilroy — and comprising the Chamber of Commerce, Oldham Council Regeneration, Asian Business Association and title sponsors NatWest Bank — have opted to create three sectors with the Business of the Year category.

The awards will recognise and reward the top businesses with a turnover of less than £1 million, between one and five million and in excess of £5 million.

In the first week of January, 2010, more than 2,500 entry forms will be posted to companies, businesses and qualifying organisations in Oldham and, for the first time, entry is now possible on-line.

Visit www.oldhambusinessawards.co.uk to submit your entry form which can be accessed through the Chronicle website and also via the Oldham Council site.

A link through the Chamber site is expected to be established within a few days of everyone returning to work on January 4.