MEET THE JUDGES
Meet the experienced judges behind this year’s Oldham Business Awards
and discover the expertise guiding their decisions.
Meet the OBA’s 2026 Judges
David Wadsworth
Chair of the Steering Group
Chair of the Steering Group since 2023, David Wadsworth is Managing Director and founder of Cornerstone Design & Marketing since 2007, delivering full-service marketing, digital, and creative solutions to clients across the UK.
Sue McGowan
Administrative Co-ordinator
Administrative Co-ordinator of the Steering Group since 2019, Sue McGowan is a SmartPA Partner, with extensive experience in HR Recruitment, Sales, Business Support and Administration management.
Lea-Anne Gardner
Steering Group Member
Steering Group member since 2025, Lea-Anne Gardner is Head of Events at Greater Manchester Chamber, with almost a decade of experience in events, marketing, and business development.
Annie Platts
Steering Group Member
Steering Group Member since 2019, Annie Platts is Construction Sector Development Lead at GM Business Growth Hub and Director of Graphene Gas Solutions Ltd, connecting and supporting businesses across Greater Manchester’s construction sector.
Richard Eastwood
Steering Group Member
Steering Group member since 2024, Richard Eastwood is Director and Financial Planner at Albion House Wealth Management Ltd, with over 25 years of experience in financial planning and wealth management.
Craig Barrett
Steering Group Member
Steering Group Member of the Oldham Business Awards since 2023, Craig Barratt is Co-Owner of Foresight – IT & Cyber Solutions and a dedicated specialist in cyber security, IT services, and business resilience.
Ian Taylor
Steering Group Member
Steering Group Member of the Oldham Business Awards since 2024, Ian Taylor is the founder of Bakersson Limited and is a trainer, coach, and mentor specialising in public speaking, team building, and business growth.
Alison McDonnell
Steering Group Member
Steering Group Member of the Oldham Business Awards since 2024, Alison McDonnell is Finance Manager at Cornerstone Design & Marketing, specialising in financial accounting, HR administration, and business process improvement.
Louise Slater
Steering Group Member
Steering Group member since 2025, Louise Slater is a Regeneration Officer at Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, supporting regeneration activity and local economic development across the borough.
Michael Clarke
Steering Group Member
Steering Group member since 2017, Mike Clarke is Client Manager at RBS Invoice Finance, part of The Royal Bank of Scotland, with over 19 years of experience managing SME business portfolios in Greater Manchester.
Award Categories
The Oldham Business Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of businesses across the borough, recognising excellence in innovation, growth, leadership and community impact. There’s an opportunity for businesses and individuals of all sizes and stages to be recognised for their success and positive influence.
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Sustainable Innovation
Available to sponsorApply Now: Sustainable InnovationIf your organisation, or one of your suppliers, has developed a sustainability project with meaningful outcomes, clear reasoning, and proven…
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Heart of the High Street
Available to sponsorApply Now: Heart of the High StreetThis award celebrates the businesses that are at the heart of our high streets and communities. Those who consistently serve…
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Community Impact Award
Available to sponsorApply Now: Community Impact AwardIf your organisation, or one you work with, has gone above and beyond its expected role in supporting people, places,…
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Micro Business of the Year- The Dawn Torrington Award (2–9 People & Trading for 3 yrs+)
Sponsored by Get Oldham WorkingApply Now: Micro Business of the Year- The Dawn Torrington Award (2–9 People & Trading for 3 yrs+)The winning business will have 1 – 10 staff and must be able to demonstrate successful performance against its objectives. …
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Business of the Year (Up To £1m)
Available to sponsorApply Now: Business of the Year (Up To £1m)The winning business will have a turnover under £1 million and must be able to demonstrate outstanding leadership and vision and a…
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Young Entrepreneur (Up To 35 yrs)
Available To SponsorApply Now: Young Entrepreneur (Up To 35 yrs)The judges are looking for an individual who has shown the desire to succeed and who has the flair, drive…
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Workforce Health & Well-being Award
Sponsored by Get Oldham WorkingApply Now: Workforce Health & Well-being AwardThis award seeks to recognise and champion the incredible steps taken by those businesses that are creating an environment for…
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Business Person of the Year
Available to sponsorApply Now: Business Person of the YearThe winner of this category will be an Oldham-based individual who has made a significant business contribution to the Borough. This award…
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Start-Up Business of the Year (Operating for 3yrs or less)
Available to sponsorApply Now: Start-Up Business of the Year (Operating for 3yrs or less)Launching your own business requires a wide range of skills and qualities (and a fair degree of courage). The winner…
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Supporting Young People
Available to sponsorApply Now: Supporting Young PeopleThe winning business will be able to demonstrate an on-going programme of providing young people (up to the age of 30) with…
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Young Business of the Year
Available to sponsorApply Now: Young Business of the YearThe judges are looking for a business that has been trading between 1 and 4 years, has shown the desire…
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Business of the Year (£1-5m)
Sponsored by SeftonsApply Now: Business of the Year (£1-5m)The winning business will have a turnover between £1 million and £5 million and must be able to demonstrate outstanding leadership and…
Interested in becoming an OBA’s
sponsorship partner?
Becoming a sponsorship partner of the Oldham Business Awards is a powerful way to align your brand with excellence, ambition and community impact. Our partners play a vital role in supporting the celebration of local business success while gaining meaningful exposure to a highly engaged audience of business leaders, decision-makers and influencers across Oldham and Greater Manchester.
Latest News
Stay up to date with all the latest news and updates from the Oldham Business Awards, where we share exciting announcements, finalist reveals, event highlights and inspiring stories from across the Oldham business community.
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Oldham Business Awards 2025
Finalists in this year’s Oldham Business Awards have been announced at an unveiling party held at Grains Bar Hotel in…
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Oldham Business Awards announce 2025 finalists
Oldham Business Awards announce 2025 finalists and DJ, comedian and actor Justin Moorhouse as this year’s co-host Finalists in this…
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OBA Quiz Night 2025
Join the OBA Quiz Night 2025 — quiz fun, networking & charity fundraising supporting Mahdlo Youth Zone & Dr Kershaw’s…
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Oldham Business Awards 2025 Open for Entries and Seeking Sponsors
Oldham Business Awards 2025 are now open for entries and sponsors! Discover how this year’s launch event brought together local…