Altogether, 34 businesses and individuals have been shortlisted for the 11 awards and were revealed at an unveiling party at Mahdlo Youth Zone – itself one of the finalists. Our winners will be revealed at a glittering gala dinner on 22nd September 2023 at Oldham’s iconic Queen Elizabeth Hall.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the awards which has become one of the biggest events of its kind in the Greater Manchester region. Not only recognising and rewarding excellence and entrepreneurialism among the business community, the awards also celebrate the contribution Oldham businesses make to the social fabric of the town, including raising more than £50,000 for local charities.
This year’s milestone anniversary sees a brand-new category, Workforce Health and Well-being, added to the awards line-up, which also includes Business of the Year over £5m, Start-up Business of the Year, Community Engagement, and the Supporting Young People Award. The new accolade, sponsored by Oldham Community Leisure (OCL), recognises the effective and impactful commitment of a business to the health and wellbeing of its workforce, actively fostering an environment in which employees can flourish and succeed.
Every year the Oldham Business Awards steering group – a team of dedicated business professional volunteers who hail from a diverse range of locally based businesses, including chair, former BAE Systems executive Steve Kilroy – have the unenviable task of judging and selecting the winners.
The steering group also selects three nominees for the non-entered Special Recognition Award, choosing candidates who they feel have gone above and beyond across a series of criteria – details of which are yet to be revealed.
Mr Kilroy says the Oldham Business Awards create a platform for both business development and business growth.
“Huge congratulations to all our finalists; making the shortlist is an achievement in itself. It’s been an incredibly tough task sifting through the mountain of applications, the business talent and acumen that exists in the borough of Oldham is truly astounding,” adds Mr Kilroy.
“We wish all our finalists good luck for the awards night. We will be choosing the best of the best; the talent, skills, and dedication we have witnessed in all of the finalists’ nominations is well deserving of the recognition each and every winner will receive on the night.
“Our thanks go to every business and individual entering into the awards, and my thanks go to everyone on the OBA steering group for all the hard work they have put into this process.”
Stalwart sponsors who have supported the event since its inception in 2008, and continue their support, include Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers, the Oldham Chronicle, New Image, and Oldham Council.
Get Oldham Working and Rowan Ashworth Ltd are this year’s headline sponsors alongside Oldham Council.
Oldham-based agency Cornerstone Design and Marketing – shortlisted as a finalist in the 2018 and 2019 awards – is this year’s media and marketing partner and continues its ongoing website sponsorship.
This year’s host is yet to be announced but the event is renowned for attracting celebrities from the world of TV and broadcasting. In recent years it has been graced by comedians/actors Romesh Ranganathan, Rory Bremner, Jon Culshaw, John Thompson, and TV presenter, Louise Minchin.
The awards are always a highlight in the borough’s social calendar, annually selling out to around 600 guests, who enjoy a drinks reception, a pre-show casino, awards ceremony, and dance-fuelled after-party.
There’s also entertainment featuring an exciting mix of performances from young people representing the borough.
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