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Officer convicted for assault after grabbing teenager by throat

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An officer who grabbed an innocent teenager by the throat has been convicted of assault following an investigation by Greater Manchester Police’s dedicated unit for professional standards.

PC Benjamin Heppenstall (33), who is based in Wigan district, was today convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm of a 16-year-old boy while on duty in January 2021.

Over the five-day hearing, the jury at Bolton Crown Court was played video footage taken from PC Heppenstall’s body-worn camera which showed the entirety of the assault.

He had responded to an incident at a care home for young people in Wigan where threats had been allegedly made to two women who worked there.

After arresting two suspects, and with the two workers physically unharmed and present in the room, PC Heppenstall told a 16-year-old boy, who was sitting near the suspects on a sofa, to get out of the room and “go to bed.”

The boy refused, and PC Heppenstall proceeded to initially try and pull the boy up from the sofa by his arm, before then putting his hand forcefully around the boy’s neck and being verbally abusive.

Such was PC Heppenstall’s grip on the victim, he tore the boy’s t-shirt and pulled it off him before then forcefully grabbing his neck a second time, which resulted in the boy being injured and one of the workers, who was one of the initial victims, trying to intervene and pull PC Heppenstall away.

The Professional Standards Directorate received a formal complaint about the incident and investigators worked to secure evidence, including PC Heppenstall’s body-worn footage and witness statements, to build a case for assault.

PC Heppenstall’s duties were suspended in January 2021. Following today’s verdict, he faces being suspended from the force, which is now preparing misconduct proceedings. He will be sentenced on November 27.

Detective chief inspector Iqbal Ahmed said: “This was a shocking use of unnecessary and excessive force by Benjamin Heppenstall on a defenceless teenage boy who absolutely should not have been treated this way.

“Our officers have a really challenging role and are faced with instances that the general public will never experience. However, officers are trained to act professionally and proportionately, and it is clear here that PC Heppenstall acted beyond what was necessary when faced with a verbal refusal by the boy to do what he had told him to do.

“A significant part of this case was the body-worn footage captured on PC Heppenstall’s camera, which goes to show that this important equipment – which every frontline officer has – is not just for their protection, but also for the public’s protection too.

“The public need to have trust and confidence in our officers – thousands of whom are professional and compassionate people who serve the people of Greater Manchester each and every day. However, Heppenstall’s actions do not represent this, and it is thanks to the dedication of the Professional Standards Directorate at GMP that we have done our job in ensuring he his brought to justice for this actions.”

Team Leadership: Jack Mason’s Strategies for High-Performing Team Success

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Jack Mason’s approach to team leadership offers a powerful blueprint for building high-performing teams. As the Group CEO and Co-Founder of Inc & Co, Mason combines emotional intelligence with strategic leadership, ensuring that each member feels valued and motivated. His focus on team effectiveness is not just a matter of bringing skilled individuals together, but about nurturing collaboration and trust within the team.

Incorporating emotional intelligence into his leadership style, Mason creates an environment where open communication thrives. This fosters a culture of mutual support and shared purpose, which is essential for team effectiveness. By setting a clear vision and direction, he ensures every member understands how their work contributes to the team’s success.

Jack Mason’s emphasis on collaboration and emotional intelligence builds teams that are not only high-performing but also highly cohesive. His insights reveal that effective leadership is as much about connecting with people as it is about making strategic decisions. Readers seeking to enhance their own leadership strategies can find valuable lessons in how Mason transforms groups into cohesive, successful teams.

Cultivating Effective Communication and Teamwork

Jack Mason emphasises the importance of establishing open communication and fostering teamwork within high-performing teams. By focusing on strategic leadership, teams can enhance their ability to adapt and grow in evolving environments. Attention to communication, training, and team composition is crucial.

Establishing Open Communication Channels

Creating strong communication channels is a priority for Jack Mason. Effective communication ensures that team members are well-informed and can collaborate seamlessly. Regular meetings, whether in-person or virtual, provide opportunities for updates and discussions. Teams should use digital tools like instant messaging apps and project management software to keep communication flowing.

Encouraging feedback is vital. Team members should feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns. This openness fosters innovation and helps address challenges promptly. Leaders like Mason promote transparency by making information accessible to everyone, enhancing trust and accountability within the team.

Fostering Collaborative Team Environments

Fostering a culture of collaboration is a key strategy for Mason. He believes that teamwork thrives in environments that encourage cooperation and mutual support. Cross-functional projects benefit from diverse perspectives, helping teams build resilience and adaptability to the external environment and its demands.

Team-building activities can strengthen bonds and improve interpersonal relationships among team members. Such activities, whether formal workshops or informal social gatherings, enhance coordination and camaraderie. Leaders should ensure their teams have clear roles and responsibilities, reducing conflicts and promoting a shared sense of purpose.

Enhancing Team Composition and Dynamics

Jack Mason underscores the importance of strategic team composition. Having the right mix of skills and personalities is essential. Teams benefit from diverse skill sets, enabling them to address various challenges and seize new opportunities. This diversity supports problem-solving and decision-making.

Monitoring team dynamics is necessary. Leaders should be aware of potential conflicts and be prepared to address them through mediation. Training sessions focused on teamwork and communication can enhance understanding among team members. Continuous assessment and adjustments of team roles can lead to improved performance and growth, aligning with the overall goals of the organisation.

Strategic Approaches to Resource Management & Organisational Growth

Managing resources effectively is critical to organisational growth. This involves leveraging resources for optimal performance, understanding how external factors influence growth, and applying data-driven insights to make informed decisions.

Leveraging Resources for Maximum Performance

Leaders must maximise the value of available resources. This means utilising human, financial, and technological assets wisely. By aligning resources with organisational goals, teams can boost efficiency and effectiveness.

Human resources are pivotal. Training and development increase staff skills, while clear roles boost motivation. Financial resources should be allocated strategically to projects with the highest potential returns. Investing in innovation can provide competitive advantages.

Furthermore, leveraging technology improves processes and speeds up operations. Automation and data analytics are examples of how tech can be utilised efficiently.

Understanding the Impact of External Environments

External environments play a significant role in shaping organisational performance. Leaders need to be aware of changes in the economic, political, and social landscapes. These factors can impact resource allocation and strategic decisions.

Global economic conditions affect market demand and access to capital. Political changes may influence regulatory requirements and operational costs. Social trends such as sustainability are also important, as they could shape consumer behaviour and preferences.

Anticipating these changes enables organisations to adapt quickly and maintain growth.

Applying Empirical Research to Inform Leadership Decisions

Empirical research provides leaders with evidence-based strategies to enhance performance. It involves the collection and analysis of data to identify patterns and inform decision-making processes.

Studies in organisational behaviour, such as the upper echelons theory, suggest that leaders’ experiences and values can impact strategic choices. By applying these insights, leaders can better align their actions with organisational objectives.

Moreover, research can inform best practices in health care and other industries, ensuring that resources are used effectively to achieve desired outcomes. Utilising empirical data helps refine approaches and achieve sustained success.

BettingOnline.co.uk Launches to Revolutionise UK Betting Site Recommendations

New website provides expert, unbiased reviews and exclusive offers for UK bettors

Betting enthusiasts across the UK can now access a new, comprehensive platform designed to help them navigate the crowded online betting market. BettingOnline.co.uk, a brand-new website, has officially launched, offering expert recommendations, detailed reviews, and exclusive offers from the top betting sites in the UK.

BettingOnline.co.uk is set to become the go-to resource for both novice and experienced bettors looking to find the best betting platforms for their needs. The site provides in-depth analysis on a wide range of UK-regulated sportsbooks and casinos, ensuring users get accurate, unbiased, and up-to-date information. Whether bettors are looking for the best odds, welcome bonuses, or user-friendly apps, BettingOnline.co.uk covers all aspects of the online betting experience.

Key Features of BettingOnline.co.uk:

  • Comprehensive Reviews: Expert assessments of the most popular and trusted betting sites, evaluating factors such as security, customer service, ease of use, and payment options.
  • Exclusive Offers: Access to the latest promotions, welcome bonuses, and special deals from betting sites that users won’t find anywhere else.
  • Betting Guides: Detailed tutorials for newcomers on how to get started, along with advanced tips and strategies for experienced bettors looking to improve their game.
  • Live Betting Updates: Stay informed with live updates on major sporting events, odds fluctuations, and the latest trends in the betting world.
  • Transparency & Trust: The website ensures all recommended platforms are fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, promoting responsible gambling practices.

“BettingOnline.co.uk is more than just a site for comparing bookmakers,” said Solomon Shehata, Sports Betting Writer at BettingOnline.co.uk. “We aim to empower UK bettors with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions, while also promoting safe and responsible betting.”

As the UK betting market continues to grow, BettingOnline.co.uk is poised to become a valuable resource for anyone looking to elevate their online betting experience. With a focus on transparency, security, and user satisfaction, the site is committed to delivering top-tier content that bettors can trust.

About BettingOnline.co.uk
BettingOnline.co.uk is the UK’s premier platform for discovering, comparing, and reviewing online betting sites. The website features impartial reviews, exclusive promotions, and expert advice to help users find the best betting experience tailored to their preferences. All bookmakers recommended by BettingOnline.co.uk are fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, ensuring a safe and legal betting environment.

For more information, visit www.bettingonline.co.uk/betting-sites/.

What are the benefits of AP automation for businesses?

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Traditionally, accounts payable processes are highly manual and involved, requiring a significant investment of staff time to handle. Not only that, manual data entry also leaves them vulnerable to human errors that can prove costly in the long term.

Fortunately, the rise of digital solutions has given many businesses the tools to transform the way they deal with invoicing through AP automation. This shift offers numerous benefits for companies, ranging from improved accuracy to enhanced vendor relationships. Read on to explore the key benefits of accounts payable automation in greater detail.

Improved vendor relationships

Vendor relationships are critical when it comes to continued business success, which is why it is essential to focus on ways to improve the vendor experience. Timely, accurate payments play a fundamental part in strengthening long-term business relationships, helping to demonstrate a company’s professionalism.

AP automation ensures that payments are processed accurately and on time. With faster invoice approvals and payment cycles, businesses can foster a greater sense of trust with their suppliers and strengthen long-term partnerships.

In addition, many AP automation systems provide self-service portals where vendors can track the status of their invoices and payments. This helps to further improve communication and transparency, as well as freeing up time that your team would otherwise have spent supplying that information.

Better data management and reporting

In a manual accounts payable environment, retrieving and analyzing financial data can be a tedious process that often requires sifting through paper documents or navigating disparate systems. As AP automation centralizes all invoice and payment information onto one digital platform this makes it a far easier matter to access, manage, and analyze data in real-time.

This real-time data can be used to generate detailed reports on spending patterns, payment history, and supplier performance, among others. The insights gained from this readily-accessible data allows companies to make more informed decisions, negotiate better terms with suppliers, and identify potential opportunities for cost savings.

The automated reporting capabilities of AP automation tools also enable finance teams to track key performance indicators (KPIs), such as invoice processing time and payment accuracy, helping to ensure an attitude of continuous improvement.

Scalability and growth support

As businesses grow, the volume of invoices and payments they need to manage naturally increases. This leads to manual AP processes becoming overwhelming and inefficient at scale, which in turn can lead to delayed payments and costly errors.

AP automation, on the other hand, is perfectly scalable and can handle large volumes of transactions with ease.

By implementing AP automation, businesses position themselves for growth without needing to worry about significantly expanding their accounting or finance teams. With the support of AP automation, companies can easily accommodate increasing transaction volumes, support multi-location operations, and integrate it with other business systems, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.

Enhanced compliance and audit readiness

Maintaining compliance with regulations and preparing for audits are essential aspects of proper financial management. AP automation simplifies this by maintaining an organized and transparent record of all transactions, along with every step of the process, to create a clear audit trail.

Many AP automation platforms also include features that can help businesses ensure compliance with tax regulations across various jurisdictions, such as VAT or GST requirements, by validating tax data on invoices and payments. This reduces the need for excessive manual oversight, empowering companies to expand into additional markets without the worry of additional compliance workload.

In the event of an audit, businesses that utilize automated AP systems can quickly retrieve the necessary documents and records, making the process much smoother and less time-consuming.

There are plenty of additional benefits we did not have time to go into, including improved efficiency and accuracy within invoicing and financial data. Ultimately, the case for AP automation is clear when looking at everything it can do to boost modern businesses.

Greenley Family Leads Roadshow Promotions’ Multi-Sector Expansion

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The Greenley family of Blackpool is driving remarkable growth through their family business, Roadshow Promotions, and its rapidly expanding portfolio of services.

Led by Stuart and Natasha Greenley, the father-daughter team has overseen the evolution of the company from a single entity into a diverse business spanning several sectors.

Originally founded as Roadshow Promotions, the company has become known for operating the largest fleet of promotional buses in the UK. Their buses have been used by clients such as Johnson & Johnson, Edwards Lifesciences, and the British Heart Foundation to raise awareness on tours across the UK and Europe. This success has provided a solid base for the family’s future expansion efforts.

By reinvesting profits from these contracts, the Greenleys have pursued a methodical approach to growth, focusing on three areas: organic expansion, strategic acquisitions, and diversification into complementary industries.

To tap into the digital economy, they partnered with a local digital media company to create Roadshow Media and Roadshow Digital. These new divisions specialise in website development, SEO, and digital consultancy, allowing them to break into the digital marketing sector.

In the last two years, they further diversified by launching Roadshow Security, which provides security services to the leisure, hospitality, and retail sectors. Clients include Haven’s Cala Gran and Marton Mere holiday parks. They have also launched Roadshow Conversions, a company focused on converting vehicles and buses into static business assets, while also supplying portable washrooms for festivals and construction sites.

The Greenley family is committed to supporting the local economy and follows a “buy local” policy, partnering with local suppliers for services like marketing, bus branding, and accountancy, as well as sponsoring grassroots football. Their growing team includes joiners, electricians, drivers, security personnel, and digital marketing experts. Over the past year, their workforce has seen significant growth, with further recruitment planned.

With their sights set on exploring new sectors, the Greenley family’s strategic approach and local investment make Roadshow Promotions a business to watch.

CRB Cunninghams and Impact Food Group Unveil Grab-and-Go Recipe Guide for Schools

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CRB Cunninghams, a specialist in cashless catering solutions for UK schools, has teamed up with Impact Food Group (IFG) to launch a Grab-and-Go Recipe Guide. This resource aims to help school caterers meet the increasing demand for quick and convenient meal options, offering tried-and-tested recipes from IFG’s extensive collection.

The rise of grab-and-go meal options has become a key part of secondary school lunch services, with students facing shorter lunch breaks and shifting eating preferences. UCL data shows that most secondary schools now offer lunch breaks of under 55 minutes, with a quarter of them lasting less than 35 minutes, making it essential to serve meals quickly. This reflects the broader cultural shift towards on-the-go food, with the number of fast-food outlets increasing across the UK.

To support this shift, CRB Cunninghams collaborated with IFG to produce a free guide offering practical advice for schools on how to create a nutritious grab-and-go meal service. The guide also details how technology plays a critical role in adapting to the modern eating habits of pupils.

The guide includes:

  • Insights into changing trends in school food access
  • Tried-and-tested recipes that students enjoy
  • The role of technology in delivering school meals
  • Strategies to future-proof your school’s meal service
  • Q&A with experts from Impact Food Group

As schools continue to prioritise nutritious meal offerings, this guide provides essential information on how to implement an effective grab-and-go meal service, with popular recipes from IFG that meet the needs of today’s students.

Impact Food Group stated, “As caterers, we need to offer students fresh, exciting food experiences to compete with what they can get outside the school gates. New food trends, dining styles and digital solutions all have a role to play.”

Download the free Grab-and-Go Recipe Guide.

Are UK Private Rental Prices Too High to Afford?

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Recent research from 2024, compiled by LandlordBuyers.com, reveals that private rental prices have risen across the board in England (8.5%), Wales (8.5%), Scotland (7.6%) and Northern Ireland (9.9%) over the past year.

Experts suggest that no more than 30% of a person’s monthly salary should go towards rent. However, in the following regions, tenants are spending well beyond this recommendation:

  • London = 53.4% of salary on rent
  • South East = 37.5% of salary on rent
  • South West = 36.5% of salary on rent
  • East England = 35.9% of salary on rent
  • Scotland = 32% of salary on rent
  • West Midlands = 31.9% of salary on rent

By contrast, other regions in the UK see renters spending less than 30% of their income on rent:

  • North East = 24.7% of salary on rent
  • Wales = 24.8% of salary on rent
  • East Midlands = 27.3% of salary on rent
  • Yorkshire = 27.8% of salary on rent
  • North West = 29% of salary on rent

Discussing the UK’s current rental market, Jason Harris-Cohen, Managing Director at LandlordBuyers.com, said: “A North-South divide definitely still exists but the divide is tapering. Only in mid-September did estate agent Hamptons release data that showed the gap between rental values in the North and rental values in the South of England has narrowed to its lowest point in over a decade,” explains Jason. “In fact, while it was still more expensive to rent in the South, Southern rents were only 37% more expensive than those in the North – down from 43% more in August 2023 and a peak of 55% more in November 2021.”

Jason points out that the future of the rental price divide will depend on various factors. “One will be landlords themselves: which ones decide to exit the market and where their rentals are geographically located. Buy-to-let professionals are holding their breath ahead of autumn’s Budget. If pockets of landlords, perhaps mainly in the South, decide to sell, we could see supply restricted, values rise and the gap widen again.”

“Conversely,” he continues, “if Labour gets to grips with levelling up, we may see the appeal of Northern towns surge, wages catch up with Southern counterparts and demand for property – both to buy and rent – increase.”

Jason also discusses the role of house prices: “House prices will play their part too. Stagnating property and rental values in the South have been blamed for the rental value slowdown, whereas house price growth in the North has been broadly strong. If this trend continues, we could see Northern values increase further and approach something more like rental equilibrium across the country.”

“In terms of average salaries versus average rental prices, there is still a disparity. While the Office for National Statistics reported wage growth of 5.1% over the three months to July 2024 – outpacing inflation at 2.2% – Goodlord found that the average cost of a new rental home in England was 7% higher in August 2024 compared to the same time in 2023.”

England Rugby: El-Abd becomes defence coach alongside Oyonnax role

England have named Joe El-Abd as their new defence coach in a role the former flanker will combine with his duties as director of rugby at French side Oyonnax until the end of the season.

El-Abd will join Steve Borthwick’s coaching team for the Autumn Nations Series and Six Nations before leaving the Pro D2 club at the end of 2024-25.

“I can’t wait to get started,” said El-Abd, adding that he felt “incredibly honoured” to join England.

“I am excited by the direction in which this England team is headed and where they want to go under Steve’s leadership. His enthusiasm is infectious and his vision for this team is clear.

“Defence is a huge part of the game and it’s something I’m extremely passionate about. I am excited by the opportunity to keep developing a defence that will help drive England’s success.”

 

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Joe El-Abd joins England

The 44-year-old thanked Oyonnax president Dougal Bendjaballah for understanding his “deep desire” to coach England, who host New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan at Twickenham in November.

Former Bath, Bristol and Toulon player El-Abd joined Oyonnax in 2012 as a player-coach, taking responsibility for the forwards and defence once his playing career ended.

Oyonnax lifted the Pro D2 title in the 2012-13 season and reached the Champions Cup for the first time in the club’s history in 2014-15.

A four-year spell at Castres Olympique followed, including a Top 14 title in 2018 before El-Abd returned to Oyonnax as director of rugby for the 2019-20 season. The club returned to the Top 14 as Pro D2 champions in 2023.

Borthwick: El-Abd ‘key’

“His knowledge, passion for the game and proven experience in developing high-performing teams will be key to the squad’s development,” said Borthwick.

“Joe embodies the qualities we value in the England Rugby team and am I sure he will add to our environment and quickly deliver continued improvements to our game.”

El-Abd’s younger brother, Adam, played for Egypt during a football career spanning more than 500 appearances in the EFL and non-league, including 300 for Brighton & Hove Albion as a defender.

His youngest brother, Sami, overcame a serious knee injury to make 67 appearances as a centre-back in the highest tiers of non-league football.

Investing in the Food & Beverage Industry: Inc & Co’s Strategic Insights

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Investing in the food and beverage industry offers exciting opportunities, blending tradition with change. This sector stands as a pillar of the global economy, constantly evolving to meet new consumer demands and technological advancements. Inc & Co focuses on innovation and sustainability to drive success and ensure long-term growth.

Private equity plays a significant role in reshaping the industry landscape. Firms like Inc & Co see potential not just in established brands but also in startups and emerging trends. Their strategy involves integrating cutting-edge technology with consumer-focused developments, which positions them to lead in transforming industry dynamics.

The rise in agricultural prices and shifts in consumer preferences highlight the importance of strategic investment choices. By addressing these challenges, Inc & Co leverages its expertise to identify promising opportunities, turning market disruptions into avenues for growth. This approach promises to capture the attention of investors and industry leaders alike.

Exploring the Food & Beverage Market Landscape

The food and beverage market is dynamic, with major companies influencing trends and consumer preferences. Key players like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo focus on expanding their market share through innovation and sustainability. Understanding market dynamics and the evolving needs of consumers is crucial for investing in this sector.

Key Players and Market Dynamics

In the food and beverage industry, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo emerge as dominant forces. These companies, known as total beverage companies, strive for innovation and adaptation in response to shifting consumer preferences. Market dynamics are heavily influenced by strategies focusing on emerging markets and sustainable practices.

While snacks and food products offer diverse growth opportunities, sustainability continues to drive change. Many companies in the sector are adopting eco-friendly processes and products to meet increasing consumer demand for green options. By prioritising sustainability, these organisations aim to secure long-term profitability and brand loyalty.

Trends in Consumer Demand and Product Innovation

Consumer demand is evolving, prioritising health-conscious choices and unique flavours. With a growing focus on wellness, innovative new products, including plant-based options and healthier snacks, are entering the market. This trend propels the need for manufacturers to innovate and diversify their offerings continuously.

Moreover, the emergence of emerging markets presents a significant growth potential for these products. Companies are increasingly investing in technology to enhance product development and meet rising expectations for quality and variety. By leveraging trends like these, businesses can respond effectively to the shifting landscape.

Inc & Co’s Investment Methodology

Inc & Co employs a strategic and focused approach to investing in the food and beverage sector. Emphasising financial performance, sustainability, and diversification, the methodology ensures robust and responsible investment choices.

Analysing Company Performance and Revenue Growth

Inc & Co conducts thorough analysis of target companies’ financials, focusing heavily on revenue growth and profitability. This involves evaluating past performance, market position, and the potential for future growth. The firm looks at data such as profit margins, cash flow, and balance sheet strength. These financial metrics are crucial in determining if a company can provide favourable returns. Major players like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are often benchmarks due to their consistent performance and innovative revenue management strategies.

Sustainable Investment and Industry Compliance

Sustainability is at the forefront of Inc & Co’s investment strategy. They prioritise companies that align with environmental goals and adhere to industry compliance standards. This includes looking at companies’ practices in reducing environmental impact and their commitment to ethical governance. Compliance with regulations, such as marketing restrictions and advertising policies, is essential, particularly in categories like soft drinks and snacks. Commitment to sustainable practices is not only good for the environment but also mitigates long-term risks for investors.

Diversification of Investment Portfolios

Diversification is a key element in mitigating risk and ensuring stable returns. Inc & Co’s portfolio covers a wide array of securities and options, from stocks to more specialised investment vehicles. This mix aims to balance high-growth opportunities with stable, income-generating assets. The firm explores investments across various sectors within the industry, including emerging markets in distribution networks and innovative soft drink lines. By maintaining a diverse portfolio, Inc & Co can hedge against market volatility and capitalise on multiple market trends.

Stay connected with Inc & Co on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn for the latest updates and insights.

Honour for former BAE boss who spent years choosing winners for the Oldham Business Awards

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The man entrusted with choosing the worthy winners of the Oldham Business Awards since it began, has now found himself in the limelight.

Since 2009, Steve Kilroy (pictured below, left) has been the spearhead of the OBA steering group whittling down finalists and crowning 11 annual winners at the glitzy gala evening at Queen Elizabeth Hall.

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But having retired as steering group chair last year, Steve found himself on the receiving end when the night culminated in the prestigious Special Recognition Award, specially selected by the group and given to someone considered to have gone above and beyond for the borough.

The keen golfer was the former head of business integration at BAE Systems until the Chadderton site closed and was awarded life membership of the Avro 504 Club. 

Steve, from Chadderton, said: “This isn’t about me, it’s about Oldham and 15 years ago it was about let’s have a party and celebrate everything that’s good about Oldham. 

“We’ve done that for 15 years and I’ve been the chairman, so I’ll take a little bit of credit, but I couldn’t do it without the steering group members and the 30 to 50 business that turn up (each year) to celebrate their businesses, and the 150 that put themselves forward.”

Managing director of Cornerstone Design and Marketing in Lees, David Wadsworth (pictured above, right) in his first year leading the steering group after taking over from Steve, said: “Congratulations to Steve – he left some big shoes to fill given his huge contribution to Oldham’s vibrant business community, which makes him a very worthy winner of our Special Recognition Award.

“Well done to all the winners too, but really every finalist is a winner on our eyes, having worked so hard to put Oldham on the business map. 

“The evening showcased the brilliant display of business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit that we have in the town. It’s incredibly difficult to select finalists and winners with such a grand array of talent to choose from.

“Our thanks go to everyone who has nominated an individual or a business this year and of course, to all the sponsors who make the night possible and so special.”

It was also a good night for Diodes Incorporated, which won two awards – supporting young people and the workforce health and wellbeing categories.

Katie Wainwright, Diodes Incorporated HR and business partner, said: “Winning two awards is absolutely amazing, obviously who we were up against are all fantastic businesses and we’re all trying to achieve the same things for the Oldham community and our employees. We have a plan, and this shows it is working – it’s just fantastic!”

Hosted by OBA stalwart Caroline Whitmore of ITV Granada Reports and featuring an hilarious stand up set from comedian, actor, director and writer Johnny Vegas, the 16th annual awards event 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.

Here is a rundown of all the winners:

  • Business of the Year £5m+ – Dronsfields Ltd
  • Business of the Year £1m-£5m – Pegasus Warehousing & Fulfilment Ltd
  • Business of the Year up to £1m – Grains Bar Hotel Ltd
  • Businessperson of the Year – Shereen Howarth of Cornerstone Estates and Lettings Ltd
  • Micro Business of the Year – CW Dentures 
  • Start-Up – Saddleworth Language School
  • Young Entrepreneur – Callum Siddall of Chances Mentoring Limited
  • Young business – Hale Training Club
  • Community Engagement – Lees Village Service Station
  • Supporting Young People – Diodes Incorporated
  • Workforce Health and Wellbeing – Diodes Incorporated

Image credit: New Image