Stockport Business Awards organisers promise 'world class' event

Stockport Business Awards organisers promised to bring a 'world class' event to the town.

The 2012 awards - which will culminate in a black tie awards dinner in October - were officially launched last Thursday (26^th January 2012) at adidas HQ in Stockport.

Ben Poland, the driving force behind the event, told around 150 people at the launch that Stockport needed to showcase what the town has to offer as well as recognising its best businesses and business people.

He said: "We all know Stockport is a fantastic place to do business - now let's tell the world.

"We don't want to put on an average, provincial event - it needs to be a world class event that promotes Stockport outside of Stockport.

"This is not just about big business, or about the service sector, it will be all inclusive and we need people to get involved."

One of the backers on the night was MAN Diesel's senior vice-president Wayne Jones, who opened the event. He said: "This is long overdue and a great idea."

"There are some huge companies in Stockport but we don't always shout about our successes."

There will be 10 award categories with nominations opening on April 10 and the awards dinner at the Hallmark Hotel on October 4.

A number of high-profile firms in Stockport are either sponsoring an award or backing the event, including Clarke Nicklin LLP, Gorvins Solicitors, Orbit Developments and NatWest Bank, plus the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Stockport Council. The Stockport Express and Stockport Times are the official media partners.

Scott Ryan, director of business banking Natwest, said of the night and the initiative:

"Stockport Business awards are a fantastic way to celebrate the achievers in our region who have responded positively to the current economic climate and recognised the importance of seeking new opportunities and reviewing their business plans. The confidence displayed by these individuals will be pivotal in boosting the attitude of the business community and in turn contribute to the future."

Andrew Baggott, managing partner of Clarke Nicklin LLP, agreed: "It was absolutely wonderful to see the buzz and enthusiasm around the business awards launch and the aims of the event.  It will be great to now get the organisation of the awards fully underway and get the buzz resonating around Stockport and help promote Stockport as a thriving business community."

Lorraine Lockie, managing partner of Gorvins Solicitors, noted that many of Stockport's businesses were represented at the launch. "It is great to see that the awards have been so enthusiastically received."

Tony Jones, managing director, Orbit Developments, added: "A town like Stockport needs  these awards to celebrate and make noise about the good things that doing business in Stockport is all about."

"The fantastic connectivity that Stockport has to offer to attract businesses needs to be promoted  on a larger scale and the launch of the Business Awards as an on-going concept will help strengthen networking for new businesses locating in the Town."

Anyone wishing to find out more about the awards should visit www.stockportbusinessawards.co.uk and follow us on Twitter @stockportawards.

Award categories

1. Business of the Year turnover £5m+ sponsored by NatWest Commercial Banking
2. Business of the Year turnover up to £5m sponsored by Orbit Developments
3. Most promising Start-up Business of the Year sponsored by NatWest Business Banking.      
4. Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by Gorvins Solicitors
5. Independent retailer of the Year - Stockport Express and Times
6. Supporting Young People Award
7. International/Export Trade Award .      
8. Most Responsible Company
9. Lifetime Achievement Award
10. Award for Innovation and Design