Deadline closing in on ‘Oscars’ hopefuls

ENTRIES for the 2012 One Oldham Business Awards are picking up speed as the race hots up for the borough’s business Oscars.

Since Oldham’s business people returned to work after the festive break, the whole community has been gearing up for the fourth awards, which will culminate in a gala presentation dinner at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Friday, March 2.

Steve Duthie, the Chronicle’s newspaper-sales manager, attended an Enterprise Fair at Chadderton Library on Friday and reported plenty of interest in the awards process from visitors and delegates to the event and workshops.

There are 10 categories, from businesses with a turnover of more than £5million down to start-ups and young entrepreneurs, design and innovation experts to environmental specialists.

“The awards have been designed to capture all the expertise in the Oldham business community,” said Mr Duthie, who has been involved in process from day one, helping the awards grow to their present pre-eminence.

He added: “The awards offer a wonderful opportunity to every business in Oldham to promote themselves to a wider audience. There is little doubt that past winners have benefited greatly — the evidence for growth if there for all to see.”

The closing date for entries is Friday, February 3. Entry is simple via the www.oldham businessawards.co.uk website. Forms can be downloaded and submitted online.

All the judges ask is that nominees state what they have achieved or how they have grown in the past 12 months. Sensitive financial information is not required.

Finalists will be shortlisted by judging panels chaired by category sponsors — all of whom attended a breakfast workshop in Chadderton last week — and all finalists receive two free tickets.

Last year the event, which raises money for Oldham Youth Zone and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, was a sell out with 460 people enjoying a four-course dinner prepared by the award-winning chefs at the White Hart, Lydgate, plus entertainment.