The One and only is back!

Awards promise to be the biggest and best ever
ENTRIES are now open for the 2012 One Oldham Business Awards, which will be formally launched tomorrow at the Chronicle Networking Evening hosted by Groundwork Oldham and sponsored by the Lloyds banking broup.

The early start to the fourth awards process is due to a combination of circumstances around polling day next year and the increasing popularity of the Queen Elizabeth Hall, home to the gala presentation evening since 2009.

Friday, March 2, is the date for your diaries for what has become the business event of the year for the borough’s commercial and industrial community.

Last year, more than 450 people enjoyed a spectacular evening of fine food, prepared by the award-winning chefs at The White Hart, Lydgate, entertainment and, of course, recognition of the finest business businesses and business people in Oldham.

Steve Kilroy, chair of the steering group for the past three years and preparing for another stint, said: “We have every reason to believe that we will have another quite amazing year.

“The awards have grown year on year, in terms of nominations and the quality of entries, and there is every indication that 2012 will be the biggest and best ever.”

Funded entirely by private sector sponsorship and ticket sales, the awards have been such a resounding success that neighbouring boroughs Tameside and Rochdale have similar dinners and Stockport are a long way down the road towards its inaugural event.

Other boroughs in Greater Manchester are also taking note of Oldham’s lead.

At the networking event tomorrow, the fifth in a hugely successful series — there were more than 100 people at the last hosted by The Oldham College in its new business centre in Union Street — Chronicle editor Dave Whaley will introduce a short film of last year’s dinner, hosted by television presenter Catherine Whitmore and sponsored by Stoneswood Retirement Living, of Delph.

Mr Kilroy, from BAE Systems, Chadderton, will then formally launch the awards for 2012 which will once again feature 10 categories so that every business in Oldham, no matter how large or small, and in whatever sector, has a chance of winning.

Attendance at the Chronicle event is free, there is a buffet supper and in addition to the launch Mr Whaley will give an update on the newspaper’s progress.

Email promotions@oldham-chronicle.co.uk or call Steve Duthie on 622 2130 to register your attendance or simply turn up from 5pm at the Groundwork Trust headquarters in Shaw Road, Higginshaw.