A woman who has literally sparked better mental health and wellbeing, youth development and volunteer engagement across Oldham has been acclaimed at this year’s Oldham Business Awards.
Kim Rogers, founder of Spark Oldham CIC, which prides itself in a people‑and‑community‑first approach by actively listening to local voices and tailoring programmes to meet their needs, was given the Special Recognition Award at this year’s gala evening at Queen Elizabeth Hall.
And the night turned out to be third time lucky for Rubena Begum of Jacksons WW/Academy, who was named Young Entrepreneur after twice being shortlisted previously.
Here Rubena explains how her vehicle repairs workshop and academy works…
Kim and Rubena were among the 12 winners as the awards celebrated business excellence and acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit, across the borough.
Here is a rundown of all the winners:
The award Special Recognition Award is made by the OBA steering group for someone who has gone above and beyond for the borough.
OBA chair David Wadsworth, founder and MD of Lees-based Cornerstone Design and Marketing, says: “It was a privilege to recognise Kim’s contribution to the borough.
“It’s only two years since she founded Spark as a community interest company, but in that time Kim and her team have had a huge impact helping those communities that need it the most. We were hugely impressed by the range and ambition of Spark’s initiatives. Well done!”
Kim and her 12-strong team, many of them from the communities they help, have developed a wide range of programmes – from school holiday activity schemes and women’s groups to baby‑boogies, young leader initiatives and anti‑poverty projects.
A well as collaborating with other organisations, mental health professionals, and volunteers, they have forged strong links with local businesses, organising corporate volunteer days, in-kind donations and sponsorship packages for young people.
Earlier this year, Spark Oldham achieved the Quality in Action award for its excellence in safeguarding and accountability from Action Together, which supports the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector in Oldham, Rochdale, and Tameside.
This is what Kim had to say after receiving her award…
Kim’s accolade made up for Spark losing out to SEE (Oldham) CIC in the OBA young business category earlier in the evening but there is more opportunity for recognition with Kim shortlisted for the Community Contributor award at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards this week (October 10).
Resurgent Oldham Rugby League Football Club was another winner on the night and afterwards we caught up with two of its leading lights…
Hosted by OBA stalwart Caroline Whitmore of ITV Granada Reports and featuring entertainment from radio DJ, comedian and actor Justin Moorhouse, this year’s OBAs were the 17th to recognised business excellence, acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit among Oldham’s business community.
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.
More about Oldham Business Awards
Now in its 17th year, the aim of the Oldham Business Awards celebrates business success whilst also recognising the contribution that businesses make in helping to shape the fabric of Oldham society.
The Awards reward business excellence amongst companies located within the borough of Oldham, whether it be for wealth creation, innovation, inspirational leadership or good practice in people management, skills development or environmental issues.
The Awards not only provide exceptional marketing and profile-raising opportunities for the finalists but also provide a unique platform for business networking between companies of all forms and sizes, introducing them to new customers, partners, suppliers and further growth support.
Each award is judged against criteria based on the award category description with the event designed to enable any business, regardless of size, form or sector to enter and be judged fairly.
Our sponsors and partners are united in acknowledging the value of the Oldham Business Awards in motivating both existing businesses and our next generation of entrepreneurs to continue to develop, grow, and achieve new goals.
