In total 19 North West businesses have been shortlisted in six categories that include Young Business of the Year, Listed Business of the Year and Privately Owned Business of the Year.
2008 is the 15th year of the Business of the Year awards which are a seminal event within Manchester’s business calendar. This is the second time Chess Telecom has made the shortlist following an intensive 3 month judging process involving presentations and site visits.
The judging panel includes key Manchester business figures such as Manchester Evening News deputy business editor Kevin Feddy, David McKeith, north west senior partner at accountancy giant PriceWaterhouseCoopers, corporate finance partner, Helen Ridge from law firm Pinsent Masons', and Malcolm Buchanan, regional director of corporate banking at RBS.
“The calibre of the entrants in this year's award has, once again, been of an immensely high and impressive standard - in fact, it rises every year,” said Kevin Feddy.
"It's going to prove to be very difficult to find a winner in many of our categories. I'm sure the final judging day will showcase the cream of the region's business talent."
Chess Telecom’s Chief Executive, David Pollock is thrilled to have reached the shortlist and is looking forward to the winner being announced at the gala dinner, hosted by political interviewer Andrew Marr on November 6 at the Midland Hotel, Manchester.
“All the finalists are highly successful businesses that stand out in their industries. Just to be in such good company on the shortlist makes us incredibly proud so to win would be a fantastic achievement. Everyone in Chess plays their part in our business growth and success and to be named Manchester Evening News Business of the Year 2008 would be true recognition of the hard work and determination of all Chess people.”