Stockport Business Awards organisers promised to bring a ‘worldclass’ event to the town.
The 2012 awards – which will culminate in a black tie awardsdinner in October – were officially launched last Thursday(26th January 2012) at adidas HQ in Stockport.
Ben Poland, the driving force behind the event, told around 150people at the launch that Stockport needed to showcase what thetown has to offer as well as recognising its best businesses andbusiness people.
He said: “We all know Stockport is a fantastic place to dobusiness – now let’s tell the world.
“We don’t want to put on an average, provincial event – it needsto be a world class event that promotes Stockport outside ofStockport.
“This is not just about big business, or about the servicesector, it will be all inclusive and we need people to getinvolved.”
One of the backers on the night was MAN Diesel’s seniorvice-president Wayne Jones, who opened the event. He said: “This islong overdue and a great idea.”
“There are some huge companies in Stockport but we don’t alwaysshout about our successes.”
There will be 10 award categories with nominations opening onApril 10 and the awards dinner at the Hallmark Hotel on October4.
A number of high-profile firms in Stockport are eithersponsoring an award or backing the event, including Clarke NicklinLLP, Gorvins Solicitors, Orbit Developments and NatWest Bank, plusthe Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Stockport Council.The Stockport Express and Stockport Times are the official mediapartners.
Scott Ryan, director of business banking Natwest, said of thenight and the initiative:
“Stockport Business awards are a fantastic way to celebrate theachievers in our region who have responded positively to thecurrent economic climate and recognised the importance of seekingnew opportunities and reviewing their business plans. Theconfidence displayed by these individuals will be pivotal inboosting the attitude of the business community and in turncontribute to the future.”
Andrew Baggott, managing partner of Clarke Nicklin LLP, agreed:”It was absolutely wonderful to see the buzz and enthusiasm aroundthe business awards launch and the aims of the event. It willbe great to now get the organisation of the awards fully underwayand get the buzz resonating around Stockport and help promoteStockport as a thriving business community.”
Lorraine Lockie, managing partner of Gorvins Solicitors, notedthat many of Stockport’s businesses were represented at the launch.”It is great to see that the awards have been so enthusiasticallyreceived.”
Tony Jones, managing director, Orbit Developments, added: “Atown like Stockport needs these awards to celebrate and makenoise about the good things that doing business in Stockport is allabout.”
“The fantastic connectivity that Stockport has to offer toattract businesses needs to be promoted on a larger scale andthe launch of the Business Awards as an on-going concept will helpstrengthen networking for new businesses locating in the Town.”
Anyone wishing to find out more about the awards should visit www.stockportbusinessawards.co.ukand follow us on Twitter @stockportawards.
Award categories
- Business of the Year turnover £5m+ sponsored by NatWestCommercial Banking
- Business of the Year turnover up to £5m sponsored by OrbitDevelopments
- Most promising Start-up Business of the Year sponsored byNatWest Business Banking.
- Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by Gorvins Solicitors
- Independent retailer of the Year – Stockport Express andTimes
- Supporting Young People Award
- International/Export Trade Award .
- Most Responsible Company
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Award for Innovation and Design
