Rochdale business awards shortlist revealed

Posted by on 31 Oct 2016

A Riley & Son apprentice, who looks after the world famous Flying Scotsman railway locomotive, and a business set up after a ‘lightbulb moment’ during maternity leave are among those vying for top spot in this year’s Rochdale Business Awards.

The awards, which take place this Friday (4 November), at Rochdale’s Grade I listed town hall, are a celebration of the many successful businesses across the borough.

Now in their sixth year, they are organised by the council’s Rochdale Development Agency and Hopwood Hall College, with sponsorship from local businesses. All proceeds from the night go to Springhill Hospice.

The full awards shortlist is:

Business of the year - turnover less than £5m
• Boulting Environmental Services Ltd
• Casey Group
• Greenage Utilities

Business of the year – turnover £1m - £5m
• IP24 Ltd
• Ken Taylor Supplies
• Riley & Son (E) Ltd

Business of the year - turnover more than £1m
• Browns Cakes
• Target Fire Protection
• Team Karting

Most promising young business
• Isabella’s Baby Boutique
• Fruit Factory
• Middle Creative

Businessperson of the year
• Paul Quinn from Greenage Utilities
• Andonette Wilkinson from wearemiddle
• David Harris from Target Fire Protection

Employer of the year
• InHealth
• Greenage Utilities
• Casey Group

Employee of the year
• Richard Harris from Target Fire Protection
• Katie Bowmer from TBD Chartered Accountants
• Greg McGill from Riley & Son (E) Ltd

Apprentice of the year
• Ian Greenan from Riley (E) & Son Ltd
• Carla Heaney from TBA Textiles
• Adam McCarthy from the Big Life Group

Kirsty Wilson from Isabella’s said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted. I started my business while on maternity leave and it just goes from strength to strength.”

Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, Cllr Richard Farnell, said: “We have a thriving business community here in Rochdale who exemplify the pioneering tradition our borough is known for.

“I’m particularly pleased to see our talented young people being honoured with the apprentice of the year award. Apprenticeships are a vital first step on the career ladder for many youngsters and those who have been shortlisted this year have clearly grasped this opportunity with both hands.”

To find out more, please visit: rochdalebusinessawards.co.uk