Greater Manchester Fastest 50 Award winners revealed

The awards, organised and sponsored by Ward Hadaway in association with the Manchester Evening News, highlight and celebrate the achievements of the fastest growing companies across Greater Manchester and its surrounds.

Winning ways – (from left) Oliver Valves HR Manager Sharon Inch and Managing Director David Cornwell.

Specialist valve maker Oliver Twinsafe walked off with two awards at the event, which was held at the Museum of Science & Industry in Manchester.

The company, which is based in Knutsford, Cheshire, won the award for overall fastest growing business as well as the fastest growing large business title.

Manchester-based Noble Systems UK, which provides a range of contact centre technology, was named fastest growing medium sized business and Showers & Eyebaths Services Ltd, which specialises in designing, making and supplying showers and other equipment in a range of challenging environments, won the fastest growing small business award.

Runners-up in the fastest growing large business category were CD, DVD and technology reseller MusicMagpie and external home insulation specialist Wetherby Building Systems.

In the fastest growing medium-sized business category, the runners-up were Independent Financial Advisers network Sense Network Limited and Booth Dispensers Limited, which makes refrigerators, chillers, water dispensers and vending products for cafes, restaurants and caterers.

Runners-up in the fastest growing small business category were private equity investor Palatine Private Equity and children’s nursery provider Kids Planet.

Ward Hadaway Managing Partner Jamie Martin announced the award winners and paid tribute to the hard work, talent and dedication of every company in the Greater Manchester Fastest 50.

He said: “Entry into this exclusive club is not easy. To even be eligible, companies have had to make profits over each of the past three years, as well as having to see their turnover grow during the same period.

“This is no mean feat, as I am sure you will agree, and in many respects every member of the Greater Manchester Fastest 50 is already a winner.”

Steve Anderson-Dixon, managing director of Trinity Mirror Regionals, introduced the awards with guest speaker Ed Cox, director of think tank the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) North, giving the keynote address which looked at how cities in the North can hold the key to greater nationwide prosperity.

Chancellor George Osborne also delivered a video message at the event, praising the efforts of the Fastest 50 companies in creating jobs and prosperity for the country.

More than 200 people attended the awards, which took place on Friday 28 February.