Judges line-up for North West Business Masters Awards

THE JUDGES for the 2015 North West Business Masters Awards have been revealed.

The high profile awards, which recognise excellence and endeavour across all aspects of business life, take place at the Midland Hotel in Manchester on March 12.

The judges are:

Veteran regional corporate financier Richard Bailey of Rothschilds. Richard, pictured,  has spent the last 30 years with the investment bank and advised on some major deals for long-time client Peel. He is senior non-executive director of construction services group Kier and is chair & trustee of Hallé Endowment Trust and a governor of Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester.

Clive Drinkwater, North West director for UK Trade and Investment.  Clive is a tireless promoter of export and international trade,  and has been at the vanguard of efforts to grow the number of exporters and the value of exports from this region.  He has introduced an Export Champions programme in the region, which sees experienced exporters asked to help inspire, mentor and advise novices.

David Grundy the former managing partner of Grant Thornton, who is now a private investor and non-executive director at North West AIM-listed companies Flow Group and entu Group. He recently acquired an online estate agency business, which he is nurturing through growth phase.

Richard Jeffery, director of business growth at the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub.  Richard has overseen the progress of the Growth Hub over the last three years. The organisation, part of the Manchester Growth Company, is an important regional resource for the business community in terms of advice, support and in some cases finance.

Linda Stokes works for The Manchester College and is an expert in apprenticeships. Having spent six years with the National Apprenticeship Service, her input will be invaluable as the judges assess the contenders for the best Apprentice Scheme category.

Damian Waters is North West director of business group CBI.  Damian has been a judge for the North West Masters Awards in 2012 and 2013, and has excellent regional knowledge, having worked for CBI since 1998.

Nominations remain open for the North West Masters Awards, The categories are:

Ambassador – A special award to recognise outstanding leadership, vision and commitment to business over a sustained period.
Innovator – Most creative or original business thinking
Newcomer – Best new business initiative or start-up in the region under three years old
Pride/CSR – Most meaningful philanthropic initiative by a business or individual
Manufacturer (SME) – Celebrating the region’s top SME manufacturer under £25m turnover
Manufacturer (Large) – Celebrating the region’s top large manufacturer above £25m turnover
Exporter (SME) – Recognising overseas trade success – SME, under £25m turnover
Exporter (Large) – Recognising overseas trade success – Large, above £25m turnover
Apprentice scheme – Most effective training programme or scheme.
Listed Business – Rewarding outstanding performance of a quoted company.
Fast Growth Business – Rewarding outstanding growth demonstrated by a North West business over the last 12 months.

To inquire about sponsorship of the North West Business Masters please contact leej.walker@thebusinessdesk.com

Tickets for the event are available from catherine@outthereevents.com.