Awards night is motoring along

AS the pace of the 2011 One Oldham Business Awards picks up, more and more Oldham companies are coming to the party.

OMC Motor Group, with a history of 103 years’ trading in Oldham, are the latest.

Directors Robin Eglin and Jonathan Eglin have committed the Manchester Road Ford and Kia dealership in Werneth to sponsoring a casino during the pre-dinner reception.

Roulette and two blackjack tables will operate during the champagne and canapes reception. All cash raised will go straight to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

The person winning the most “money” — in the One Oldham business currency of “eglins” — will enjoy the use of Porsche Cayenne four-wheel vehicle for four days courtesy of Roman Choudhury at Chadderton Auto Repair, Arkwright Street, Westwood.

Chronicle editor David Whaley said: “The awards are now established as a major element of the business fabric of Oldham and they go from strength to strength.

“Every year more and more sponsors are supporting the event and it seems to me the only way to get a ticket is to become a sponsor or enter and be shortlisted as a finalist.”

Robin Eglin added: “There is no doubt the awards are the highlight of Oldham’s social calendar as far as business is concerned. We are all looking forward to helping raise some money for a most worthy cause.”

With tickets limited to 450, the gala presentation dinner at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Friday, March 18, is virtually a sell out.

Steve Lowe, relationship director at NatWest, Oldham, the awards’ title sponsor, said: “I would advise any business in Oldham to enter now. This is a fantastic opportunity to promote your company.”

Complete an online entry form at www.oldhambusinessawards.co.uk or contact Steve Duthie on 0161-622 2159.