One Oldham Business Awards

Top business people finalists


Business Man


Gavin Wheeldon

Applied Language Solutions Ltd., Delph

EMPLOYING more than 100 people in eight countries in a business which generates turnover of £6.2 million, Gavin Wheeldon remains ‘hands on’ involved in the direction of his Applied Language Solution business, bringing creative innovative ideas to the table that are implemented by his solid management team.

In the past 12 months Gavin has launched Export Box, a partnership with Google, Royal Mail, HSBC, Grant Thornton and UKTI, offering support to SMEs looking to export for the first time.

Gavin is also passionate about helping other companies to grow internationally.


John Hall

F T Gordon Ltd., Royton

Since its creation in 1992, the development of FT Gordon Building Services has been led by managing director John Hall — and far exceeded expectations.

The electrical and mechanical design and installation contractor has grown from a firm employing 10 people, with an initial turnover of £500,000 and a client base of just a few businesses, to an organisation that now employs 80 people, with a turnover of £4 million.

Mr Hall introduced a five-year business plan in January, 2009, and has already achieved a 25 per cent growth saying: “"Our policy to diversify into the renewable energy market has proved to be a success."


Paul Milner
Positive IT Solutions, Chadderton

Owner and manager Paul Milner has been instrumental in leading and exceeding organisational goals while building and motivating the team behind Positive IT Solutions.

Born and educated in Oldham, Paul established the business to provide business efficiency through the implementation of hardware infrastructure engineering and software application in March, 2005.

Having started with a retail presence in Ashton Road, Hathershaw, Positive IT Solutions now has its head office and warehousing and distribution operation at the Falcon Business Centre.


Business Woman

Angela Wellon

First4Disabilities, Chadderton

after years of working within mental health services, Angela Wellon decided to ‘go it alone’ in August. 2007. and set up First 4 Disabilities a non-profit organisation.

The business, at Chadderton Cottages, Middleton Road, provides support services to families and individuals with additional needs and disabilities throughout the borough of Oldham.

Angela is the managing director and though her main driving force came from the needs of her son, who has a diagnosis of autism, her sheer dedication to the needs of others has won her the respect of many in the social care sector.


Chantelle Tupman
Clough Manor, Denshaw

WHEN her parents, Alan and Carmel Tupman, took over what was the La Pergola Hotel and restaurant in May, 2007, Chantelle Tupman was thrown in at the deep end having ‘hands on’ responsibility while a multi-million transformation took place at one of Saddleworth’s landmark hotels.

And all the while Clough Manor traded as a functioning hotel and restaurant, hosting weddings and dinners while establishing a reputation as one of the most imaginative cuisine’s in the area.

Chantelle has thrown herself enthusiastically into the redevelopent project with stunning results.


Valerie Simpson

The Face and Body Shop, Grotton

WHEN Valerie Simpson started The Face and Body Shop in Grotton in March, 1997, no one suspected what the future held.

Originally the business had five treatment rooms and three therapists but under Valerie’s’ guidance and leadership it has grown to a salon boasting eight treatment rooms with 20 members of staff serving a client base in excess of 16,000.

Says Valerie: “Our philosophy for client care is to ‘make every client feel special - because they are! We are always willing to go that extra mile to make the whole salon experience unique and exceptional. for every client visit.”


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