Freemont named Salford’s Business of the Year

CONSTRUCTION group Freemont was last night crowned Business of the Year at the Salford Business Awards 2010.

Salford-based Freemont, which includes Freemont Construction and fit out sub-contractor Freemont R&R, also went home with two other awards as runners-up in both the Excellence and Entrepreneur categories.

The company, founded in 2000 by directors Noel Ruane and Charles Roland, is on target to hit a turnover of £9m this year, and has worked on major projects across the region including at MediaCity.

More than 250 people attended the awards ceremony at the Lowry Hotel where Ken Lee, head of HR for BBC North, spoke about the opportunities created by MediaCity.

He told the audience how the BBC move would bring £200m to the Manchester economy, with £92m of that “going direct to Salford Businesses”.

“As anchor tennants  can caim a slice of the reflective glory for what is so transformational,” he said.

Paul Wainwright, chairman of the Chapel Street Business Group, which has organized the awards, said: “Choosing each winner has been very difficult and it has been a real privilege to see so many innovative businesses ready to take advantage of changing economic fortunes.  We look forward to watching their progress over the course of the next twelve months.”

Barbara Spicer, chief executive of Salford City Council said: “Salford has a fantastic range of diverse businesses of which the city can be very proud. Showcasing their achievements through these awards demonstrates their vital contribution to the city’s economy and I congratulate all the entrants and winners.”

TalkTalk Technology, which is based in Irlam, was the headline sponsor for the event.

The other winners were:

International Trade Award sponsored by Salford City Council
ENER-G – Winner
Harland Machine Systems – Runner-up

Technology Award sponsored by Trinity Business Training
Dean Group – Winner
Direct Linen – Runner-up

Innovation Award sponsored by University of Salford
Lanstar – Winner
Direct Linen – Runner-up

Green Award sponsored by Environment Agency
Carbon Creative – Winner
Lowry Hotel – Runner-up

Excellence Award sponsored by Bovis Lend Lease
Fledglings – Winner
Freemont – Runner-up

Community Award sponsored by Central Salford URC
Helping Hands – Winner
Salford City Radio – Runner-up

Entrepreneur Award sponsored by MIDAS
Baby Deli – Winner
Freemont – Runner-up