Cream of region honoured at North West Business Masters

PEOPLE, pride and passion were the over-riding themes as outstanding achievement was celebrated at the North West Business Masters Awards last night.

The Ambassador award – for outstanding contribution to regional business life – was won by 80-year-old investor and philanthropist Norman Stoller, who through his charitable trust supports numerous good causes across the region.

Mr Stoller, who grew up in Oldham, said he gets the biggest thrill from seeing young people develop their careers and urged others to invest more in this.
“All of us have to look to the next generation. To watch people come through your business and grow through your organisation is a huge thrill.”

Mr Stoller, who received the award from sponsor law firm Gateley, joked that although he is diminutive in stature, winning the award made him feel like “the tallest person in the room.”

Entrepreneur Colin Stevens, founder of multi-channel retailer Better Bathrooms, pledged more expansion as he accepted the Fast Growing Business award, sponsored by marketing and communications agency Influential.

He praised the support of investor The Business Growth Fund, which he said had given him “the balls” to push the business  which he started at home – forward by opening new showrooms nationwide.

The Listed Business Category, sponsored by Cenkos Securities, was taken by another leading regional retailer JD Sports Fashion.

Executive chairman Peter Cowgill thanked his “outstanding team” for helping JD achieve great trading results – sales are up more than 12% this year – and said he further growth in international markets were his current focus.

Wirral-based shipyard Cammell Laird won the Apprenticeship Scheme of the Year Award,sponsored by the Greater Manchester Skills Gateway, while another Merseyside company, Clarke Energy of Knowsley, was the winner in the Large Exporter category.

Faith in Nature, a small business based in north Manchester, founded by America-born businesswoman Rivka Rose, won the SME exporter title.

The awards for large and SME manufacturer of the year, sponsored by The Business Growth Hub, were won by Bolton-based Vernacare – which makes disposal wash bowls which are sold worldwide to hospitals – and family-owned Manchester packaging company Duo UK.

The Pride Award, recognising community commitment and  social responsibility, was won by The Monastery Manchester.

The charity, in east Manchester, has overseen the rebuilding and complete renovation of the stunning Gorton Monastery, which is now a multi-award winning event space, providing jobs for local people.

Paul Griffifths, pictured left, and his wife Elaine have devoted the last 20 years to leading the restoration and fund-raising for the venue.

The hotly-contested Innovator Award – sponsored by the NCC Group – was won by Cheshire-based Swellaway, which counts Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney among its investors.

Swellaway is a pioneering device which can aid muscle injury recovery. It is currently exploring the equine market, while human use has been trialled – by Rooney and other top footballers.

The Protein Works – the fast-growing sports nutrition brand based in Widnes – won the Newcomer Award.

The awards, at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, were attended by more than 280 people and hosted by BBC journalist and presenter Nina Warhurst.

Chris Barry, editor of TheBusinessDesk.com said: “The Masters awards was a memorable occasion and congratulations are due not only to our winners, but to every company and individual on the shortlist.

“The winners are an inspiration and truly represent the best of the North West business community.”

The North West Masters Awards, a partnership between TheBusinessDesk.com and Out There Events, were sponsored by Cenkos Securities, law firm Gateley, The Business Growth Hub, NCC Group, North West marketing and communications  agency Influential and the Greater Manchester Skills Gateway.