Entries are coming in for the fourth year of The One Oldham Business Awards, sponsored by NatWest Business Banking, the Oldham Chronicle and Oldham Council, which have become the must-attend event for the borough’s business community.

Last year, more than 460 finalists, their guests and sponsors attended a gala evening at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, when the prestigious trophies were presented and almost £3,000 raised for the Oldham Youth Zone Mahdlo charity and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

Organisers are expecting a rush of entries after the festive break. Due to demand in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, the gala dinner will take place on Friday, March 2 — much earlier than in previous years.

This compresses the entry process. Anyone planning to submit a nominations  only a few weeks to do so. Deadline for entry is 3rd Feb 2012.

Chairman of the awards steering group is Steve Kilroy, from BAE Systems in Chadderton. He said: “I am urging everyone who is thinking of entering to start thinking about the process now. Entry is relatively simple, by visiting our website. This event has become a magnificent occasion for Oldham and all the finalists get free tickets, so don’t delay.”

Visit www.oldhambusinessawards.co.uk. for advice on entry contact Steve Duthie at the Chronicle steved@oldham-chronicle.co.uk or via the OBN website.