THE achievements of the borough’s entrepreneurial talent were celebrated at this year’s Pride of Tameside Business Awards.
Hundreds of people from local organisations of all sizes and sectors came together for a special ceremony at Dukinfield Town Hall.
It may have been held on Friday, June 13, but there was nothing unlucky about the occasion, which was hosted by inspirational Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey.
There were 11 award categories that businesses and organisations could put themselves forward in – each sponsored by a different local business.
The shortlists and the final winners were chosen by the judges – who were Tom Armstrong of Project Solar UK; Lynn Kerfoot MBE from Newland Conveyors; Paul Westwell of Bromleys Solicitors LLP, and Tameside College Principal and CEO Jackie Moores.
The award winners
Dukinfield-based security provider Auxilium Services Ltd saw off competition from AC Group Ltd and Visual Architects to win the Large Business of the Year award.
Bennett Staff, a recruitment agency in Hyde, were the winners of the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) of the Year prize, ahead of Your Wellbeing Company and Vertical Access Limited.
Elaine Sagar, founder and CEO of Sunflower Childcare Group, took home the Entrepreneur of the Year trophy. The other nominees were Dr Ria Meera Munshi of Ri Ri’s Dance Academy and Gemma Taylor from Managed Ink.
Denton-based event and interior design agency Visual Architects beat Create & Craft Workshops and MIC Media to the Creative Business of the Year accolade.
In the Manufacturing/Engineering Business of the Year category, the trophy went to Dukinfield Metal Spinning Ltd. Also nominated were Lankem Limited and Manchester Metrology Ltd.
The award for Construction/Property Business of the Year went to Diamond Decorators (UK) Limited, who saw off competition from Adamson Construction & Interiors and Droylsden Glass.
Stalybridge-based Strive Academy, which provides vocational support and qualifications for learners that struggle to engage with mainstream or larger education settings, took home the Childcare/Social Care Business of the Year. The other nominees were Families First and Millbrook Healthcare Limited.
Dukinfield-based telecommunications specialist Red Rock won over the judges to receive the Tech/Digital Business of the Year award ahead of ZenTec IT Solutions.
In the Social Enterprise/Charity/CIC of the Year category, The Power of Resilience CIC – a community initiative based in Stalybridge – saw off competition from Willow Wood Hospice, Live Great Adventures CIC and Hyde Festival Theatre to take the trophy.
RSK Group, which has a science and technology park in Hattersley, was chosen as the Green Impact Business of the Year, ahead of Tameside Community Champions CIC and The Power of Resilience CIC.
In the Hospitality, Retail and eCommerce Business of the Year category, Denton-based Duel Autocare Ltd took the prize. The other nominees were Candy’s Cupcakes Ltd and The Restaurant at Tameside One.
The final accolade was a Special Recognition Award, chosen by Tameside Council and presented by the Civic Mayor of Tameside Councillor Shibley Alam, to Lynn Kerfoot MBE.
Lynn has blazed a trail for other women in the manufacturing industry at Hyde-based Newland Conveyors, where over 50 years she has gone from Secretary to Managing Director. Overcoming industry challenges along the way, she has offered both encouragement and support to others in what is a traditionally male-dominated sector.
‘Inspirational stories’
The Jubilee Hall inside the venue was spectacularly decorated by Visual Architects, while the event was also supported by Tameside College’s Catering and Hospitality students, Robertsons Facilities Management, and Brand Twelve Digital Agency.
The not-for-profit awards – which returned last year following a five-year absence – are organised by Tameside Council.
Councillor Eleanor Wills, the local authority’s leader, who also gave a speech to open the proceedings on the night, described it as “an incredibly special evening”.
“It was inspirational to hear the stories of all the dedicated businesses and charities that are integral to our local economy,” she said.
“We are always proud supporters and aim to champion their achievements and growth across the region.”