The man entrusted with choosing the worthy winners of the Oldham Business Awards since we began celebrating the borough’s business achievements, has now deservedly found himself in the limelight!
Since 2009, Steve Kilroy has been the spearhead of our steering group whittling down finalists and crowning 11 annual winners at our glitzy gala evening at The Queen Elizabeth Hall.
But having retired as steering group chair last year, Steve found himself on the receiving end when the night culminated in the prestigious Special Recognition Award, specially selected by the group and given to someone considered to have gone above and beyond for the borough.
Now enjoying his new-found extra spare time on the golf course, Steve, who lives in Chadderton, was the head of business integration at BAE Systems until the Chadderton site closed and was later awarded life membership of the Avro 504 Club.
This is what he had to say following his award…
Managing director of Cornerstone Design and Marketing in Lees, David Wadsworth, in his first year leading the steering group after taking over from Steve, said: “Congratulations to Steve – he left some big shoes to fill given his huge contribution to Oldham’s vibrant business community, which makes him a very worthy winner of the Special Recognition Award.
“Well done to all the winners too, but really every finalist is a winner in our eyes, having worked so hard to put Oldham on the business map.
“The evening showcased the brilliant display of acumen and entrepreneurial spirit that we have in the town. It’s incredibly difficult to select finalists and winners with such a grand array of talent to choose from.
“Our thanks go to everyone who nominated an individual or a business this year and of course, to all the sponsors who make the night possible and so special.”
It was also a good night for Diodes Incorporated, which won two awards – Supporting Young People and the Workforce Health and Well-being categories.
Katie Wainwright, Diodes Incorporated HR and Business Partner, had this to say afterwards:
And it was an emotional evening for Lees Village Service Station MD, Sue Collinge, who paid tribute to her late father, Frank, while receiving the Community Engagement award. We caught up with Sue after the award presentation, and this is what she had to say…
Hosted by OBA stalwart, Caroline Whitmore of ITV Granada Reports, and featuring an hilarious stand up set from comedian, actor, director, and writer, Johnny Vegas, the 16th annual awards event recognised business excellence, acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit among Oldham’s business community.
During his act, Johnny quickly left the stage and took his unique comedic genius out among the guests, making jokes and enjoying banter – especially about marketing! We caught up with him afterwards, and it was a rather more serious Johnny who had this to say…
Live music was provided by The Not Quite Big Band during the gala dinner and continued into the night for the post-awards party. There were also plenty of chances to win some fabulous raffle prizes, with all proceeds going to Mahdlo Youth Zone and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.
