Rochdale businesses take centre stage at annual awards ceremony

Posted by on 27 Dec 2025

Photo © Rochdale Foodbank - Community Engagement winner

Rochdale’s thriving business community gathered at Rochdale Town Hall in November for the 12th annual Rochdale Business Awards.

The event, which recognises the dedication and success of local businesses, was attended by 300 people and this year’s welcome speech was delivered by Sarah Ashworth, managing director at Salt Separation Services in Rochdale.

She said: “I was incredibly proud to welcome everyone to this year’s awards ceremony and be surrounded by some incredible businesses from across the borough. There was an abundance of innovation, collaboration, and a pioneering spirit from all the finalists, and it was a really enjoyable evening.”

Over the course of the night, there were nine winners, who each received a trophy and framed certificate on stage.

Cheers filled the room as the finalists were announced by host Chris Maguire before the golden envelope was opened to reveal the winners in each category. Celebrations continued well into the night at the after-party hosted by The Flying Horse Hotel.

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

One of the winners, Iain Wight from Rochdale Foodbank, said “It was a great honour to be shortlisted and then, on the night, to be announced as the winners of the Community Engagement business award. But what stood out for us, was the wave of goodwill, and a feeling of warmth towards us from everyone present. It was an extraordinary response, and totally unexpected.”

Councillor Neil Emmott, Leader of the Council, also said:

“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, whose co-operative principles of fairness and shared success continue to shape how we do business today. Tonight, we honour the businesses that carry that legacy forward.”

The awards ceremony also raised £4,630 for Springhill Hospice, thanks to generous donations from Barclays Bank, attendees on the night, and some fantastic raffle prizes from local businesses.

The countdown to next year’s event on Friday 13 November 2026 has already begun, with entries being accepted from May. Visit www.rochdalebusinessawards.co.uk for further details.