On Air Now

Up Before the Alarm

5:00am - 7:00am

Now Playing

Diana Ross

One More Chance

Listen Live Watch

Rochdale businesses recognised at annual awards ceremony

Monday, 22 December 2025 15:20

By David Murphy

Rochdale Foodbank with their winning trophy for Community Engagement Business of the Year

Hundreds gathered at Rochdale Town Hall to celebrate local success stories at the 12th annual Rochdale Business Awards.

The November event brought together over 300 members of the business community to recognise innovation, leadership, and community impact across the borough. This year’s opening speech was delivered by Sarah Ashworth, managing director of Salt Separation Services, who praised the energy and determination of the finalists.

Nine winners were announced during the evening, with trophies and framed certificates presented on stage by host Chris Maguire. An after-party at The Flying Horse Hotel carried celebrations into the night.

This year’s winners included:

  • Community Engagement – Rochdale Foodbank
  • Independent Hospitality or Retail Business – Chantilly
  • Apprentice of the Year – Antoinette James Cachia, Highfield Manor Care Home
  • New Business – SiRo’ Café Bistrot
  • Business Person of the Year – Seema Ansari, The Foodie Kitchen CIC & Artisan Granola
  • Sustainable Environmental Business – Envair Technology
  • Business of the Year (under £1m turnover) – The Funky Deer Sports Club Merchandise
  • Business of the Year (£1–£5m turnover) – Desal Supplies Limited
  • Business of the Year (over £5m turnover) – Lee Spring Limited

Iain Wight of Rochdale Foodbank described the atmosphere as one of “extraordinary” goodwill and support, calling the response “totally unexpected” after the charity won the Community Engagement category.

Council Leader Neil Emmott paid tribute to the borough’s enduring co-operative values, saying: “This annual event celebrates the spirit of Rochdale innovation, collaboration, and a deep-rooted commitment to community. These values are woven into our history, thanks to the Rochdale Pioneers.”

The awards also raised £4,630 for Springhill Hospice, with donations from Barclays Bank, attendees, and raffle prizes offered by local businesses.

Planning has already begun for next year’s ceremony. Entries will open in May and further information will be available via the official website: www.rochdalebusinessawards.co.uk.

Share

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Recently Played

Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

   

Coming up next On Air

  • Up Before the Alarm

    5:00am - 7:00am

    for early starters, commuters and anyone already on their second brew. Livelier music and new voices warming things up before breakfast.

  • Friday Breakfast

    7:00am - 10:00am

    getting you out of bed and to work and school with great music and headlines.

  • Spooky Talk

    10:00am - Noon

    with Gemma Johnson, playing a mixture of her favourite music with a sprinkling of the spooky to breathe life into your Friday morning.

  • Pauline

    Noon - 2:00pm

  • The Wellness Hour

    2:00pm - 3:00pm

    with Kim G, a warm and accessible wellbeing hour offering practical self-care tips, grounded health insight, and a gentle Friday wind-down.

  • Friday Drivetime

    3:00pm - 6:00pm

    getting you home on your favourite Drivetime station.

Roch Valley Radio is a not-for-profit radio station serving Bury and Rochdale including the surrounding areas on DAB, your Smart Speakers and Online.

© Copyright 2026 Roch Valley Radio CIC. Powered by Aiir.