One is already getting ready for next one!

JUST weeks after the successful One Oldham Business Awards, the steering group behind the event is looking to 2011.

Chairman Steve Kilroy, from BAE Systems, is ready to convene a meeting of the organising body to review this year’s record-breaking process and plan for April next year.

Sponsors from the business community are lining up to back the awards in their third year and Mr Kilroy is anxious to build of the momentum of a momentous night at the Queen Elizabeth Hall when 450 guests celebrated the excellence of the borough’s commercial, industrial and business base.

Dave Benstead, chair of the Oldham Business Leadership Group, described the evening as ‘simply fantastic’ and his comments were echoed from every corner of the room.

In addition to awarding 11 winners’ trophies, the evening raised more than £2,800 for the chosen charity, OnSide Youth Zone, which is developing a lads’ and girls’ club in the town centre.

Lee Crook, director of NatWest business and commercial banking in Oldham, the awards’ title sponsors, added his voice to the praise, saying: “On what was a marvellous night for Oldham, we must also remember the many nominations which, on this occasion, were not successful but who are equally deserving of praise.

“Perhaps their time will come next year.”

NatWest have supported the awards as title sponsors for two years and their managers have been an integral part of the judging process.

Mr Crook added: “We are proud to have been associated with these awards — they are a great platform for what we believe is a vibrant business community.”

Jeremy Broadbent, managing director of first-time sponsors Johnson Group, from Delph, described the presentation evening as “simply stunning” and “worth every penny of our sponsorship support”.