Our Judges 2026

Meet Our Distinguished Panel of Judges for our 2026 awards!

As excitement continues to build for Wigan Borough Business Awards 2026, we’re proud to introduce the distinguished panel of judges who have played such an important role in this year’s awards.

Once again, we received an outstanding number of entries, with an exceptionally high standard across every category. From ambitious start-ups and thriving charities to established businesses and inspiring individuals, our judges were faced with the challenging task of selecting this year’s finalists from an incredibly strong field.

Handpicked for their expertise, integrity and commitment to excellence, our judges represent a diverse range of sectors and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the judging process. They share a passion for championing local business, recognising achievement and celebrating the people and organisations making a positive impact across Wigan Borough.

Working independently from the organising team, every application and finalist interview was assessed fairly, consistently and transparently, ensuring the integrity of the awards process at every stage.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to each member of our judging panel for the time, professionalism and dedication they have given throughout this year’s awards. Their commitment plays a vital role in making the Wigan Borough Business Awards the respected and trusted celebration of local business that it is today.

Steve Critchley

Former Business Owner and Entrepreneur

Steve has been involved in the Wigan business community for over 30 years, in various capacities, at all levels. He is passionate about the local community and encouraging local people to support all aspects of business, leisure and home-grown talent and activity.

Steve has been involved in local amateur sport for over 40 years including fund raising and promoting/developing new members from the younger age groups in the Borough. Steve has supported many charitable organisations in the Wigan area for many years and continues to always endorse this. He is well known in the business community and has been involved with many businesses, business owners and staff over a long period of time.

Steve is looking forward to being involved in the Judging process for the Wigan Borough Business Awards, which will highlight the amazing talent and successful business achievements in the area.

andrea glaspell

Assistant Director Community Wealth and Health Building, Wigan Council

Andrea is an Assistant Director at Wigan Council and has worked in Adult Social Care and Health since 1995, working for over 15 years in the charitable sector, leading and managing support services for people with disabilities, moving into local government over 15 years ago developing ethical, neighbourhood commissioning and procurement as a key tool to transform and invest in local care markets which build community wealth across the Borough. As Assistant Director, Andrea has responsibility for Procurement, Strategic partnerships with the Voluntary, Community Faith and Social Enterprise sector and more recently the Business sector, she also leads on workforce development in health and social care as a significant economic contributor, as well as leading on the Borough’s Community Wealth Building Anchor Partnership. Andrea is passionate about working together to celebrate all that is great about our Borough and loves working with likeminded people who are driven by their care, commitment and investment in local people, communities, and businesses.

andy traynor

Retired – Senior Investment Executive

Andy has worked in the Finance industry for the last 46 years. His work has seen him involved in lending to businesses across both property and trading sectors. Andy recently retired at the end of 2025 and was delighted to be asked to help with judging the business awards this year.

Before retiring Andy’s last role was as Senior Investment Executive managing the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund where he was passionate about supporting companies to help structure funding
solutions to assist with their growth plans. He is proud that a number of these facilities were to help Wigan based companies.

Whilst Andy lives outside the borough he was actually born in Wigan and with family living in the town he has always kept an interest in the area and continues to follow

angela holmes

President at Soroptimist International Swallows, Wigan based.

Angela Holmes has enjoyed a distinguished career in education spanning several decades across Bolton and Wigan. Holding a Bachelor of Education (Honours), the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and a Postgraduate Qualification in Mentoring, she has held a number of senior leadership roles, including serving as Deputy Headteacher for 20 years and later as Head of School within a local academy.

Alongside her educational career, Angela has been a dedicated advocate for community service through Soroptimist International. She is a founding member and current President of Soroptimist International Swallows Wigan, as well as Regional Membership Officer for Soroptimist International South Lancashire. Angela now works as an Online Learning Coach and admissions interviewer at Wigan and Leigh College and University Centre, supporting learners as they achieve their educational goals.

Angela’s main hobby is supporting economic growth, spending not only in Wigan, but in well-known retail outlets. She is thinking about writing her own ‘eating out’ guide based on a wealth of experience locally and beyond!

kindly supported by

Anthony Baldwin

Patricia Evans

Jo Bohan

Our judging panel is kindly supported by valued partners from Wigan Council, Wigan & Leigh College, and the GM Business Growth Hub, who play an important role in upholding the integrity of the awards. As part of the process, these representatives supported the pre-qualification stage — carefully reviewing all entries to ensure they met the set criteria and standards required to progress. Their insight and diligence help ensure a fair, transparent, and high-quality awards programme that truly reflects the very best of Wigan Borough.