![\"Oldham](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2025106_155635.jpg\" "\\"Oldham")
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\n\t\t Date published: 06 October 2025
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Oldham Business Awards winners line up on the stage after the presentations. Images courtesy of Josh Bowker\/New Image<\/p>\n
A woman who has literally sparked better mental health and wellbeing, youth development and volunteer engagement across Oldham has been acclaimed at this year\u2019s Oldham Business Awards.<\/p>\n
Kim Rogers, founder of Spark Oldham CIC, which prides itself in a people-and-community-first approach, actively listening to local voices and tailoring programmes to meet their needs, was given the Special Recognition Award at this year\u2019s gala evening at Queen Elizabeth Hall.<\/p>\n
And the night turned out to be third time lucky for Rubena Begum of Jacksons WW\/Academy, who was named Young Entrepreneur after twice being shortlisted previously.<\/p>\n
Kim and Rubena were among the 12 winners as the awards celebrated business excellence and acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit, across the borough.<\/p>\n
Here is a rundown of all the winners:<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Special Recognition Award<\/strong> \u2013 Kim Rogers, Spark Oldham CIC<\/p>\n \u00b7 Business of the Year \u00a35m+<\/strong> – Widdop & Co<\/p>\n \u00b7 Business of the Year \u00a31m-\u00a35m<\/strong> \u2013 Oldham Rugby League Football Club 1867.<\/p>\n \u00b7 Business of the Year up to \u00a31m<\/strong> \u2013 KG Builders & Construction Ltd.<\/p>\n \u00b7 Businessperson of the Year<\/strong> \u2013 Barry McLoughlin of BS Entwistle Electrical Contractors Ltd.<\/p>\n \u00b7 Micro Business of the Year<\/strong> \u2013 Shinsei Academy.<\/p>\n \u00b7 Start-Up<\/strong> \u2013 Selfcare with LJ.<\/p>\n \u00b7 Young Entrepreneur<\/strong> \u2013 Rubena Begum of Jacksons WW\/Academy.<\/p>\n \u00b7 Young business<\/strong> \u2013 SEE Oldham CIC<\/p>\n \u00b7 Community Engagement <\/strong>\u2013 Sports Physio UK<\/p>\n \u00b7 Supporting Young People<\/strong> \u2013 Barlows UK.<\/p>\n \u00b7 Workforce Health and Wellbeing<\/strong> \u2013 Thrive Wellness Chiropractic<\/p>\n Special Recognition Award (see above)<\/strong><\/p>\n The award Special Recognition Award is made by the OBA steering group for someone who has gone above and beyond for the borough.<\/p>\n OBA chair David Wadsworth, founder and MD of Lees-based Cornerstone Design and Marketing, said: \u201cIt was a privilege to recognise Kim\u2019s contribution to the borough.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s only two years since she founded Spark as a community interest company, but in that time Kim and her team have had a huge impact helping those communities that need it the most.<\/p>\n “We were hugely impressed by the range and ambition of Spark\u2019s initiatives. Well done!\u201d<\/p>\n Kim and her 12-strong team, many of them from the communities they help, have developed a wide range of programmes \u2013 from school holiday activity schemes and women\u2019s groups to baby-boogies, young leader initiatives and anti-poverty projects.<\/p>\n A well as collaborating with other organisations, mental health professionals, and volunteers, they have forged strong links with local businesses, organising corporate volunteer days, in-kind donations and sponsorship packages for young people.<\/p>\n Earlier this year, Spark Oldham achieved the Quality in Action award for its excellence in safeguarding and accountability from Action Together, which supports the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector in Oldham, Rochdale, and Tameside.<\/p>\n Speaking after receiving her award, Kim, who\u2019s lived in Oldham for 20 years after moving from the Isle of Man, said: \u201cI feel really privileged and thankful to the team.<\/p>\n “In a role this you don\u2019t do it for the glory, but it is great to be recognised for helping to transform lives and making Oldham a better place.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m really happy Casey\u2019s were able to present us with the award as they\u2019ve really supported us.<\/p>\n “We\u2019re coming up to our second birthday, and we\u2019re determined to get even bigger and better.\u201d<\/p>\n Kim\u2019s accolade made up for Spark losing out to SEE (Oldham) CIC in the OBA young business category earlier in the evening but there is more opportunity for recognition with Kim shortlisted for the Community Contributor award at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards this week (October 10).<\/p>\n Hosted by OBA stalwart Caroline Whitmore of ITV Granada Reports and featuring entertainment from radio DJ, comedian and actor Justin Moorhouse, this year\u2019s OBAs were the 17th to recognise\u00a0business excellence, acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit among Oldham\u2019s business community.<\/p>\n Live music was provided by The Not Quite Big Band during the gala dinner and continued into the night for the post-awards party.<\/p>\n There were also plenty of chances to win some fabulous raffle prizes with all proceeds going to Mahdlo Youth Zone and Dr Kershaw\u2019s Hospice.<\/p>\n Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk<\/a> , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle<\/a> or messaging us through our Facebook<\/a> page. All contact will be treated in confidence.<\/strong><\/p>\n \t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2025106_1606.jpg\")
\nSpecial Recognition Award winner Kim Rogers with her certificate and John Walmsley, Social Impact Executive for The Casey Group, who sponsored the award. The pair are flanked by Justin Moorhouse and Caroline Whitmore
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