Rochdale invites the best in business to enter their annual business awards

Posted by on 2 Jul 2024

Rochdale Business Awards have announced that the ceremony is returning to Rochdale Town Hall on Friday 15 November 2024 following its £17 million restoration.

The event, which sees 300 guests enjoy a drinks reception, three course meal and entertainment is always a sell-out and many of the sponsors who have been part of the event since its inception, have again pledged their support. These include: Hopwood Hall College, Jackson Jackson Ltd, Molesworths, Rochdale Training Association, Target Fire Protection, Willmott Dixon, GM Business Growth Hub, Click 24 Fire & Security, Cleland McIver, Britannia Metals, Recruitment Solutions NW, and HY Solicitors.

Rochdale is a great place to invest and grow a business, and this year’s awards the will see the addition of ‘Independent Hospitality or Retail Business of the Year’, giving these businesses a platform to showcase the fantastic work they do in creating a great place to play and explore for residents and visitors alike.

The application process is now open and entries are being invited from businesses and entrepreneurs based within the borough across the following nine categories:

1. Business of the Year - Turnover more than £5m
2. Business of the Year - Turnover less than £1m - £5m
3. Business of the Year - Turnover less than £1m
4. Business Person of the Year
5. New Business of the Year
6. Apprentice of the Year
7. Apprentice Employer of the Year
8. Community Engagement
9. Independent Hospitality or Retail Business of the Year

Tom Mathew, Dunster’s Farm Commercial Director who won Business of the Year (turnover more than £5 million) in 2023 said of their win: “Winning the Rochdale Business of the Year award has been a tremendous honour for us. The recognition not only boosts our profile in the area, but supports our company’s growth, given that 75% of our team members are local.

The award also reinforces our commitment to supporting the local community. At Dunsters Farm, it’s in our DNA to contribute to the development of the communities we serve. Awards like this keep us at the top of our game, motivate the team and most importantly, elevates all business - right here in Rochdale.”

Carol Hopkins, chair of the business awards steering group added “The awards ceremony is a special night in the business calendar and we are incredibly grateful to have the loyal support of our sponsors, but what makes the night such a success are the variety of companies who enter and are shortlisted for an award. Hearing their stories and having their achievements recognised by the local business community is something we all look forward to.”

There’s still plenty of time to submit an entry before Friday 30 August. The online application form and criteria for each of the nine categories can be found on the Rochdale business awards website www.rochdalebusinessawards.co.uk.