Stockport launches first ever Business Awards

Stockport businesses large and small will get chance to have their achievements recognised in a new awards scheme which launches on Thursday 26^th January 2012.

The scheme has been welcomed by the town's business community and over 180 people are expected to show their support by attending the launch event.

The brainchild of local businessman and entrepreneur Ben Poland, the Stockport Business Awards will celebrate everything that's good about doing business in the town and surrounding area.

"It's been three years in the planning," said an enthusiastic Ben Poland. "I am delighted to see it now becoming a reality. Stockport has enterprises of every size, shape and description. It's one of the best places to do business in the whole of Greater Manchester and it's about time we recognised it.

"The aim is to put on a world class event which becomes a regular fixture."

The award ceremony itself will take place on 4^th October at the Hallmark Hotel in Handforth.

This week's launch event will be the official introduction to the scheme and will showcase the opportunities to get involved as well as how to enter.

Ten categories will include Business of the Year, turnover £5m+ Business of the Year, turnover up to £5m, Most Promising Start-up and Entrepreneur of the Year.

Leading local companies are giving their support to the venture. Accountancy firm Clarke Nicklin LLP is putting significant resource and investment into its organisation and delivery.

Headline sponsors include Gorvins Solicitors, Orbit Developments and NatWest Bank. Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Stockport Council are also giving it their full backing as is media partner Stockport Express and Stockport Times.

Andrew Baggott, Managing Partner from Clarke Nicklin LLP, said, they were inspired to get involved. "Schemes like this give business people the chance to show what they can do and gives us all the opportunity to celebrate with them and learn how to do things better! It will give the community an important lift in tough times."

Lorraine Lockie, Managing Partner, Gorvins Solicitors, said the awards were long overdue. "We are proud to be part of Stockport's thriving business community and the awards will demonstrate that Stockport businesses have as much to offer as those based in the city centre and other Manchester suburbs."

Tony Jones, Managing Director of Orbit Developments, agreed. "There are some fantastic businesses in the Stockport area that have demonstrated passion, determination and dedication in these challenging times."

"Award schemes identify winners in communities," added Scott Ryan, Director Business Banking, Stockport & Macclesfield, from NatWest. "They deserve to be celebrated and recognised."

The Stockport Business Awards launch event will be held at adidas European Headquarters, Pepper Road, Hazel Grove from 6pm on Thursday 26^th January 2012.

For more information and updates visit www.stockportbusinessawards.co.uk and follow us on Twitter @stockportawards.