Praise at 2013 business awards launch

SPONSORS thanked: (from the left) Aiden Towey, Innovative Technology; Paula Jones, Women in Business Oldham and RBS; Peter Gill, NatWest; Steve Lowe; Andrew Dixon, Stoller Charitable Trust; Barbara Jackson, Women in Business Oldham amd Miller’s Florist; Roger Barrett, Unity Partnership; Emma Lowe, The Oldham College

THE One Oldham Business Awards 2013 have been launched — with a rallying cry for the borough and praise for the event’s success over the past four years.

More than 50 businesses were represented at Austerlands conference centre Talking Point in Scouthead to hear awards chairman Steve Kilroy of BAE Systems speak of his pride in Oldham, his passion for the borough and his delight taht the awards continue to go from strength to strength.

“I live in the town and I love this town and I will do all I can to make this town a success,” he told his audience, which included Oldham Council leader Councillor Jim McMahon and his deputy, Councillor Shoab Akhtar.

Steve Lowe, of sponsors NatWest Business and Commercial Banking, said the bank had backed the One Oldham Business Awards from day one and had taken great pride in their success.

“Oldham is once again leading the way. After what we achieved here in Oldham, Stockport, Tameside, Rochdale and Macclesfield now have their own events based on our model,” he said.

Oldham Council and the Oldham Evening Chronicle have also supported the event since it began.

Chronicle editor Dave Whaley, speaking on behalf of all the sponsors, urged those present but not already engaged with the awards — or Pride in Oldham, Civic Ball or Sports Awards ceremonies — to seriously consider promoting their business through the town.

“You may not have too many customers or clients in Oldham, you may export all over the Europe or the world, but you have employees who work in Oldham and you can support them by supporting Oldham and our four signature, Oldham on the Map events,” he declared.