A FAMILY-RUN recruitment business based in Hyde is celebrating regional recognition.
Walker Lovell, on Manchester Road, has been shortlisted in two categories at this year’s North West Family Business Awards.
The firm has earned a place on the shortlist for Business Services, while Recruitment Manager Gemma Whiteside has been nominated for Employee of the Year.
Walker Lovell was founded in 2012 by siblings Daniel, David, Matthew and Rebecca Topping and has grown steadily over the past decade.
The business now employs 16 people and works with clients across a range of highly-specialised, niche global industries. Its journey has seen the team outgrow three offices before settling into its current home – a converted Grade II listed building dating back to 1828, overlooking a historic canal.
For Gemma, who has spent more than 10 years with the firm, she has been praised internally for her resilience and adaptability – especially in what the company describes as a challenging recruitment market in recent years. Her nomination highlights not just her results, but her approach – described as consistently professional and solutions-focused.
The public can also give their backing to Gemma by voting online ahead of the event here.
In 2025, the firm was also named a finalist at the British Recruitment Awards for its onboarding initiative, recognising efforts to better support new starters.
Beyond business performance, the company has also built a reputation locally for its team culture and community involvement. Regular team-building events are held with other local businesses, alongside regular charity fundraising initiatives.
Recent efforts have included supporting Mentell, a men’s mental health charity, and taking part in the Samaritans’ Operation Christmas Child. Last week, the team hosted a bake-off fundraiser to support a young local man raising money for cancer treatment in the United States.
The winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on May 8, which several members of the Walker Lovell team will attend.