Excitement builds for the big One!

ENTRIES are building for the third One Oldham Business Awards — the celebration of the borough’s business community which culminates with a gala presentation dinner at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham.

Award-winning restaurant The White Hart, Lydgate, has been appointed as caterer for the black-tie event on March 18 which is already a sell out with 450 tickets.

The steering group, headed by BAE Systems’ Steve Kilroy, has allocated a number of tickets for the 30 finalists, each of whom receives a pair of tickets, so they can bring along guests and work colleagues.

Mr Kilroy said: “We are looking at a special event once again.

“We are building on the success of two spectacular years and the business community of Oldham has responded magnificently once again in terms of support and sponsorship.”

Once again the dinner will support Mahdlo, the youth charity which will start construction work in September on a purpose-built facility for the youngsters which will open seven days a week, 365 days a year. Thanks to Robin Eglin and his team from OMC Ford Oldham, which is sponsoring a casino during the pre-dinner champagne reception, the event will also be able to support Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

Failsworth Community Band, which last year raised the roof with its sensational performance during the reception, will once again entertain guests — and the organisers have other surprises lined up.

Mr Kilroy added: “Everything is place for another fantastic evening — all we need now are the for the entries to stack up and I am convinced we can top last year’s 99 in our ten categories.”

Entry forms can be found online at www.oldhambusinessawards.co.uk or printed forms can be requested from Steve Duthie here at the Oldham Chronicle 0161-622 2159.

Entry is free and nominations can be made for more than one category.