Award nomination gives Gill a lift

GGR Group managing director Gill Riley was named one of only four nominees for Veuve Clicquot’s prestigious annual Business Woman award.

Judges recognised Gill’s determination in driving the success of the GGR Group, a leading provider of specialist lifting equipment based at Broadway Business Park, Chadderton.

With her brother Graeme, the company’s chief executive officer, Gill has made the GGR Group Europe’s leading supplier of vacuum handling equipment, restricted access lifting machinery and mini cranes, along with a variety of complementary products and services.

GGR Group is made up of six brands — GGR Glass, UNIC Cranes Europe, GGR Galizia, GGR AirLift, GGR Rail and GGR Cladding.

Her success has come despite working in a male-dominated construction industry.

She has won the respect of her peers and clients through her “technical knowledge and outstanding customer service”.

Gill finds herself in good company — past winners of the award include Dame Anita Roddick, founder and managing director of the Body Shop and Linda Bennett, founder and managing director of LK Bennett.

Commenting on her nomination Gill said: “It was an absolute honour to be one of only five nominees up for such a high-profile award.

“It’s a privilege to be recognised for the work that I’ve done in establishing, growing and maintaining GGR, especially in such tough economic times, for our industry in particular.” Gill is no stranger to awards, having won the NatWest Everywoman and Crain’s 40 under 40 awards in previous years.

The GGR Group has also been listed in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 for two years running.