Shouting about Oldham’s successes

One Oldham Awards

A GLITTERING awards ceremony showed Oldham means business as those driving the borough forward were honoured.

The One Oldham Business Awards 2010, Oscars for the town’s business community, surpassed last year’s inaugural event by growing even greater in stature and style. The Queen Elizabeth Hall was packed with 450 guests at the black tie event.

Nominations for the prestigious awards had increased to 98 who were competing for an even greater number of categories this year, now up to 11.

Oldham’s creative, adept and hard-working business leaders and their staff were applauded for riding through the rough seas of recession and getting the borough well placed to thrive in the upturn.

The awards were the brainchild of the Evening Chronicle’s business writer Martyn Torr — also the witty compere for the evening — supported by Steve Kilroy, of BAE Systems, in forming the One Oldham Steering Group.

The event started in style with a champagne reception hosted by JW Lees as guests were greeted with a rousing performance from the talented young musicians at Failsworth Community Band.

Guests enjoyed a seven-course feast by Clough Manor of Denshaw before Oldham Council leader Councillor Howard Sykes gave a welcoming address.

He said: “Those businesses receiving the awards have demonstrated outstanding vision, leadership and business acumen throughout a very tough 12 months in what has been a very difficult economic climate.”

The audience had a chance to show off their own musical talents as the innovative Team Spirit brought originality and fun with their boomwhackers surprise, which involved guests being given a simple percussion instrument to thump in time and create the booming sound of a gathering ready to rumble.

Versatile singer Victor Michael had the crowd joining in as he sang classical and popular numbers while guests tucked in to their food.

The tension was raised as nominees found out who had won the coveted honours. A DVD presentation showed each finalist in action before they were called on stage to receive a framed copy of a Chronicle front page story about their achievements — and the winner waltzed away with an engraved glass trophy.

A breathtaking firework display ended the show after a nostalgic photographic look back over the evening and a vote of thanks from Oldham Business Leadership Group chairman David Benstead.

He said: “This has been an excellent evening and I have been proud to be associated with this event.”

There are now 31 firms involved in sponsoring and supporting the event — demonstrating the high esteem it’s held in and how it has united the business community.

The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Jim McArdle, said: “We should shout a bit more about our success, and not hide our lights under a bushel.”

Civic guests also included the chief executive of Oldham Council, Charlie Parker, Youth Mayor Mohammed Adil and Cabinet member for Regeneration, Councillor Mohib Uddin.

Chronicle Editor Jim Williams said: “Showcasing the effort, enterprise and energy of the driving forces behind Oldham borough, the whole award project has very rapidly established itself as an important highlight in Oldham’s calendar. Long may it continue.”

Chronicle newspaper sales manager Steve Duthie added: “Tonight has been excellent and people have really enjoyed getting together, seeing new and diverse businesses, reflecting Oldham’s diversity and ambition.”

The raffle for prizes including Business Class flights and hotel stays raised money for Oldham’s new Onside youth zone project, which will be built in Egerton Street.

William Lees-Jones, chairman of the project’s steering group said: “It is very generous of people to raise funds for us, and I urge anyone who shares our passion for young people to get involved in the future of young people.

“The support of business people in Oldham has been massive. Plans are in at the moment and we have had 42 applications to tender for work, and intend to work with as many local companies as we can.”