Record entry

The 2012 One Oldham Business Awards can already be described as a resounding success.

The 114 are a huge increase on last year and this fourth run of the awards has attracted entries even from traditionally reluctant categories.

And there are record entries in the Young Entrepreneur and Start-Up categories with strong Retailer of the Year nominations from across the borough — showing that even in austere times, local retailers are determined not to stand idly by.

Some of the nominations have been truly inspirational and the judging panels have been set a tough task to come up with shortlists. The dinner, on March 2, is sold out and there is a waiting list for returns. This year, thanks to the generosity of the Norman Stoller Foundation, there will be a Lifetime Achievement Award to an Oldham business leader.

The identity of the winner is known only to awards steering group chairman Steve Kilroy, from BAE Systems, and Mr Stoller will reveal the winner when he opens the golden envelope in just over two weeks.

It all adds up to what should be an incredible celebration of all that is good and positive about the business community of this great town.



::Full list of the nominees in a special eight-page feature, in tonight’s eChron (see tab above).