And the winner is... me!

Chronicle business reporter Martyn Torr receives his award from Norman Stoller

Tables turned as awards host Martyn receives top honour
THE One Oldham Business Awards compere was startled when the tables turned and he received a surprise award at the glitzy ceremony.

There was rapturous applause from 461 guests at the black tie event on Friday as Oldham Chronicle business reporter Martyn Torr (63) received the accolade for his tremendous work in the business community.

Norman Stoller MBE, who’s charitable trust sponsored the award, had kept the winner a secret from Martyn — who annually presents the awards evening.

Mr Stoller said the winner was a man he had known since “Oldham was a village”.

He added: “He’s a very old friend of mine. He’s always sees the talent in others and he’s always the the first to applaud and congratulate, but he’s never himself been recognised.”

Steve Kilroy of BAE Systems, who chairs the awards steering group, said Martyn had made a considerable and sustained contribution to the business community.

“Martyn offers his charm, charisma and flies the flag for the Oldham community,” he said.

Oldham-born Martyn was only supposed to work for six weeks part-time on the Chronicle’s sports desk back in 1991 — but ended up staying longer and when business reporter Fred Bottomley retired after 30 years in 1992, Martyn slotted perfectly into the role.

He had previously worked on the former Inside Oldham magazine for five years, where he met many of the contacts he still has today.

The father-of-two also runs his own company called New Image PR, which is an added branch to the existing New Image print and design company, set up 30 years ago.

On receiving the award, he said: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed. I’m supposed to know what’s going on. I haven’t got a clue what to say — I’m sure there’s someone in this town more deserved of this award than me.”

Martyn, who received an engraved trophy, is secretary of Stalybridge Celtic FC and has been a trustee of Age Concern for 10 years.

He also organises and comperes business awards in Tameside and Rochdale.


See Wednesday’s Evening Chronicle for a special report on the awards ceremony and winnners