Meet the Sponsors of Wigan Borough Business Awards 2026 – Proudly supporting our local business community!
We are incredibly thankful for the huge support of our 2026 sponsors, whose dedication makes the Wigan Borough Business Awards a reality. Their commitment to celebrating local talent, driving innovation, and championing the Wigan and Leigh business community is at the heart of this event’s continued success.
This partnership is more than sponsorship; it’s a shared vision to inspire growth and excellence across the borough. By showcasing their brands, we recognise their invaluable contributions to making the awards a celebration of achievement and ambition.
Join us in applauding our exceptional sponsors who share our passion for highlighting the best of Wigan Borough’s thriving business community
HEADLINE SPONSOR
CALISEN
We are Calisen. We own, install and manage essential energy infrastructure assets that offer smarter energy for all.
Through smart metering, data services, solar & battery, EV charging infrastructure, and the electrification of heat, we’re building a more sustainable, smarter world for the next generation.
Our mission is to lead the way in smarter, more sustainable energy. We’re committed to innovating, exploring and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to deliver the infrastructure and technology that powers our world more sustainably.
NETWORKING RECEPTION & Finalist event SPONSOR
GM BUSINESS GROWTH Hub
GM Business Growth Hub is a community of specialists with a passion for helping businesses across Greater Manchester to realise their full potential.
We support businesses at every stage of their journey, whether just starting out or looking to grow. Our expert, fully funded support covers a wide range of areas, including training, funding, and expert guidance. Whatever your business, your business is our business.
The future we’re helping to create is founded on the principle of inclusive growth – with thriving businesses, creating well-paid jobs, for talented and empowered individuals across our diverse communities.
AFTER PARTY SPONSOR
COWGILLS part of sumer group
At Cowgills, our team of financial and business experts is dedicated to empowering your business with insights that drive growth.
Our integrated and tailored approach combines deep sector knowledge with proven financial expertise – helping entrepreneurial businesses across the North West and beyond achieve lasting success.
We have a strong regional presence with offices in Wigan, Bolton, Manchester and Liverpool. Together, we’re a team of 33 partners and over 250 specialists, and as part of the Sumer group – a top 13 UK accountancy firm – we are supported by the wider network – giving clients access to the scale, resources, and expertise they need, whatever the size or stage of their business.
Cowgills isn’t your ordinary accountancy firm. While we’re one of the North West’s leading independent firms of accountants and business advisors, we’ve never lost sight of what really matters, people.
We get to know you and your business, so we can be a true partner – offering proactive support and advice tailored to help you grow, adapt, and succeed. Every client benefits from having their own dedicated relationship partner, backed by the knowledge and experience of our full-service team.
Real solutions, from a team you can trust.
charity fundraiser
westwood motor group
Providing car and van rental in Wigan, Bolton and the rest of the U.K. we are part of the U.K.’s biggest vehicle network Westwood Motor Group ensures a friendly, professional service with a rental fleet of the highest standards. We are members of the BVRLA and United Rental System, and proudly sponsor and supply Wigan Athletic F.C. with our vehicles. We offer some of the very best prices, backed up with our price check guarantee. Whatever size of fleet, we can help, providing you with a fast efficient service. From daily hire through to one of our flexible rental options, we guarantee a great price and a fantastic vehicle, always backed up with a superior service. If you need a car or van, look no further.
Sales, Rental, Contract Hire, Flexible Hire, Part Exchange, Daily Hire, Business Accounts, Westwood Options
reception drinks
allica bank
Allica Bank is on a mission to give established businesses the banking they deserve. That means a current account that rewards business owners for using it, a relationship manager whose name and number they know, and powerful tools and technology that make their life easier, not harder. It’s how business banking used to be – just better.
winners event
leigh sports village
Leigh Sports Village provides a state of the art facility for health, education, sport and events that serves the whole community. The centrepiece of the development is a 12,000-capacity stadium, now known as the Progress With Unity Stadium, home to professional rugby league team Leigh Leopards and Manchester United Women’s and Under 21’s football teams.
We have hosted a multitude of international sporting events at the village from the Rugby League World Cup events in 2013 and in 2022, to the UEFA Women’s Euros in 2022. Our most recent international sporting event was being the host venue of the finishing line for the Women’s Tour of Britain in June 2024. We’ve also presented many live music gigs including Billy Ocean with very special guest Marti Pellow and hometown heroes, the Lottery Winners with special guests DJ Katie Owen, Scouting for Girls and local band, the lilacs. Our largest concerts were for both Lionel Richie and Sir Elton John, who have graced our stage in front of crowds of over 17,000.
exclusive sponsors & partners networking event
the heaton group
We all find incredible meaning and value in buildings. They are not just property and they are more than just a place to live – they can be an historic landmark, a piece of history, and a part of our urban landscape. They lend a town its personality and a community its character. Heaton Group exists to strengthen that meaning and protect that value. We bring plenty of commercial savvy to every development project, but we’re in the business of regenerating older buildings and, in the process, reinvigorating some of our region’s communities.
We’re custodians of heritage and character, preserving the best of local icons while providing the kind of urbane habitats that are made for lifestyle living. It’s a service we’ve been providing for generations – there’s nothing short-term about what we do. With that experience comes an approach that simply works: we make a connection with our communities, we build trust with our customers, and we deliver quality you can rely on. The result, whether it’s a home to buy, a place to rent, or an investment to make, is a sustainable development, a community asset and a stylish home.
Programme Sponsors
wigan athletic
Wigan Athletic is a professional football club currently playing in the English Football League since election in 1978, following the club’s formation in 1932. Latics are currently based at The Brick Community Stadium, having moved to the site in 1999 following 67 years at Springfield Park.
Our honours include:
FA Cup winners: 2013 Promoted to the Premier League: 2005 League One champions: 2002/03 and 2015/16 Football League Trophy winners: 1985 and 1999 League Two champions: 1996/97 Promoted to League One: 1981/82 Northern Premier League champions: 1970/71 and 1974/75 Northern Premier Cup winners: 1971/72 Northern Premier Shield winners: 1972/73, 1973/74 and 1975/76 Cheshire League champions: 1933/34, 1934/35, 1935/36 and 1964/65 Lancashire Combination champions: 1947/48, 1950/51, 1952/53 and 1953/54
wigan warriors
Wigan Warriors are a professional Rugby League club based in the North West of England, who play in the Betfred Super League.
The Warriors are arguably the most successful club of all time, having originally formed in 1872 as Wigan FC. The Cherry and Whites have won four Super League Grand Final trophies, 22 League Championships, 20 Challenge Cups, 20 Lancashire Cups and a plethora of other titles including four World Club Challenge wins.
They play at The Brick Community Stadium and are the best supported club in the sport with an average crowd in excess of 15,000.
event venue partner
wigan sporting events
Located in Wigan, the heart of the North West of England, The Brick Community Stadium is a versatile venue with 12 flexible meeting and event rooms that can accommodate 5 to 500 guests for various types of functions, including conferences, meetings, training days, seminars, product launches and exhibitions. We also have extensive outdoor space for team building, vehicle launches, car shows and exhibitions.
All our meeting and event rooms can be equipped with the latest presentation and communication technology, with FREE Wi-Fi as standard. Located close to the regions motorway network, the M6, M58, M61 and M62 are a short drive away. Wigan is located on the North West Coast Line; just over 2 hours from London and Glasgow. Wigan also serves Merseyside, Manchester, Yorkshire and beyond. The stadium boasts 2,300 FREE car parking spaces. Our in-house award winning team of Chefs, and friendly and professional Conference & Events Team are on hand to assist with all aspects of your event.
signage Sponsor
pinnacle branding group limited
Pinnacle Branding Group Ltd are an established, reputable signage printing company based in Wigan in the North West of the UK. We supply a huge variety of signs and prints to businesses and commercial companies across the North West of England and the whole of the UK.
Our quality of service and production are unsurpassed, and we guarantee outstanding and satisfying results when you work with us to create your perfect design. We pride ourselves on offering our customers exceptional service and top quality products, all at fair and competitive prices.
We take pride in our outstanding customer service and product quality, and always aim to provide them at competitive prices. Our emphasis is always on customer experience, and no matter how big or small your project is, we will provide you with only the best. We work very closely with our customers and build fantastic relationships. Our innovative team are always striving for excellence. Let Pinnacle Signs and Print Ltd provide you with the very best sign for your business.
Category sponsors
to let wigan
start-up business of the year 2026
With over 100 properties on our books and our portfolio growing all the time we have built a wealth of knowledge and experience within the commercial property industry and we specialise in offering a bespoke service to clients looking for advice in all aspect of this sector.
We are a local company whose aim is to bring business and growth to Wigan; we continually invest within the local community, and offer a full hand’s on service to all our clients. If you would like to arrange a viewing on any of our available premises, or would like to discuss full management of your own commercial premises, please call us on 01942 734 748
digicomm 360
small business of the year 2026
We are your go-to experts for business IT & Telecoms. With over a century of combined experience, backed by our track record of success, industry recognition and award wins, we truly understand how robust systems, can drive business stability and growth.
We recognise that every business is different, so we take the time to design, implement and support systems that are tailored to your business’s needs and aspirations.
And the best part? Working closely with you and your team, we’ll quickly develop a working partnership that removes the stress of understanding all the technical details.
We’d love to show you what we can do for your business.
A digital step in the right direction…
Speak to an IT & Telecoms Expert Today!
01204 201 201
stephensons
Medium to large business of the year 2026
As a leading full-service law firm, we pride ourselves on providing our clients with a broad range of first-class legal services. For over 40 years, Stephensons has built a wealth of experience dealing with complex legal matters, helping our clients feel unburdened and empowered.
Specialties
Commercial Property, Employment Law, Corporate Law, Commercial Litigation, Debt Recovery, Residential Conveyancing, Wills & Probate, Family Law, Dispute Resolution, Discrimination Law, HR Support, Human Rights & Civil Liberties, Personal Injury Claims, Medical Negligence Claims, Regulatory Law, Professional Discipline, Motoring Offences, Criminal Offences, Court of Protection, and Inheritance Disputes
mbh solicitors
outstanding contribution of the year 2026
Are you looking for forward-thinking, quality solicitors offering sound legal advice at sensible prices?
Most of our legal services can be provided on a pre-agreed Fixed Cost basis and our Family Law team and Private Client team, offers clients a FREE 30 MINUTE initial consultation. We can also provide you with details of our fees before you decide to instruct us.
We have been in business since 1971 and have a widespread and diverse client base. People come back to us again and again for legal services with the vast majority of our instructions coming to us by way of referral or recommendation.
Wigan Council
appreNtice of the year 2026
At Wigan Council we like to do things differently. We are committed to making Wigan Borough the best place to live, work, study and invest which is reflected in everything we do.
GREENMOUNT PROJECTS
CHARITY of the year 2026
morpheus lending
construction business of the year 2026
Morpheus is a digital-only specialist lender focused on delivering fast, transparent and technology-driven finance solutions. Built for brokers and borrowers who want speed, certainty and efficiency, we are fuelled by extensive human experience and intuitive technology.
Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to innovation, we’re on a mission to reshape what modern specialist lending looks like.
Farleys
manufacturer of the year 2026
Alker Ball Healds, now part of Farleys Solicitors, is a full-service law firm offering legal support for individuals and businesses across Wigan and the wider North West. The firm has particular expertise in commercial law; including commercial property and litigation, employment law, family law, private client matters, and personal injury claims. Alker Ball Healds has a client-focussed approach and their lawyers are committed to providing accessible legal expertise, cutting through jargon to bring personal solutions that are as practical as they are precise.
Alker Ball Healds is a proud Wigan business with roots in the town dating back to 1852.
wigan sporting events
Digital, Creative and Technology Business of the Year 2026
Located in Wigan, the heart of the North West of England, The Brick Community Stadium is a versatile venue with 12 flexible meeting and event rooms that can accommodate 5 to 500 guests for various types of functions, including conferences, meetings, training days, seminars, product launches and exhibitions. We also have extensive outdoor space for team building, vehicle launches, car shows and exhibitions.
All our meeting and event rooms can be equipped with the latest presentation and communication technology, with FREE Wi-Fi as standard. Located close to the regions motorway network, the M6, M58, M61 and M62 are a short drive away. Wigan is located on the North West Coast Line; just over 2 hours from London and Glasgow. Wigan also serves Merseyside, Manchester, Yorkshire and beyond. The stadium boasts 2,300 FREE car parking spaces. Our in-house award winning team of Chefs, and friendly and professional Conference & Events Team are on hand to assist with all aspects of your event.
JJH Building contractors ltd
cic/social enterprise of the Year 2026
A leading name in Northwest construction. JJH Building Contractors Ltd provides a comprehensive and professional building service to a wide range of industrial, commercial, public and private sector clients. The company founded in 1981 has built a wide client base throughout the Northwest with a forward thinking approach whilst maintaining its traditional values.
We deliver construction projects, refurbishment schemes and maintenance programmes from conception to completion. Our wide experience in the construction sector brings our clients a number of guarantees – from the assurance of cost effective design, management and refurbishment solutions, to superior levels of workmanship and effective ongoing maintenance programmes.
JJH Building Contractors Ltd has earned an enviable reputation for servicing clients to the highest of standards. We offer a broad range of services designed to aid any individual and commercial organisation in developing and maintaining their building environments and are used to working with individuals and organisations large and small in every construction area. JJH Building Contractors Ltd deliver high quality construction projects, refurbishments schemes and maintenance programmes from conception to completion.
structures pointing ltd
sustainable business of the Year 2026
Structures Pointing has over 30 years’ experience in all aspects of cementitious and lime pointing. We have a renowned reputation for our high-quality workmanship and attention to detail.
At Structures Pointing Ltd, we are more than operatives, we are creators of lasting structures. From residential to commercial projects, we bring expertise, innovation, and quality craftsmanship to every project.
Mystery box sponsors
ramsay financial ltd
Ramsay Financial Ltd is a mortgage and protection brokerage based in Wigan and Chorley. Specialising in First Time Buyer, Remortgage, Purchase, 2nd Charge lending, Adverse/Poor Credit, Buy to Let (individuals or limited company), HMO and MUFB, bridging, general insurance and protection.
Offering a ‘One-Stop’ holistic service, we can also take care of the conveyancing via our trusted panel and have a strong network of local and experienced Financial Advisers on hand to discuss your wider Financial Planning needs such as equity release, commercial lending, commercial insurance, pensions and investments and estate planning.
M&D Allyn
Established in 1976, M&D ALLYN has remained a local family run business for over 40 years supplying Cleaning, Catering and Hygiene Products to all sectors of business. Founded by Alan and Gloria Trevarton in 1976, the business quickly moved from the garage at home to a corner shop in the heart of Wigan on Gidlow Lane. A move came again to a large industrial unit at Hawkley Brook, Wigan before the move to our current site of the former Lyric Cinema in Upholland where office and warehouse expansion has followed over the years and the aquisition of the Allyn Supplies business in 2008 bring catering supplies expertise.
Today the business continues to be run by the eldest son Mark and his wife Mandy carrying on the established family ethos and values. M&D Allyn are approved to both the quality standard ISO9001 and the environmental standard ISO14001, this underpins our commitment to quality, service and value whilst following best environmental practice. An accredited distributor under the Cleaning and Hygiene Suppliers Association (the official industry body) – M&D ALLYN embrace the stated code of practice as a responsible supplier in the industry. A member of the Nationwide Hygiene Supplies Group, gives us national strength coupled with the high service standards expected from a long established local business. Why use us? We have extensive stocks backed by over 40 years of industry experience, delivered by our own fleet of vehicles with free delivery through the North West and North Wales regions.
brighter cleaning solutions
Most cleaning companies want the easy, regular contracts. But what about when you need something more? The high-level dusting that has been ignored for months? The deep clean after builders have left dust everywhere? The carpets that desperately need proper attention? That is where we come in.
We are based in Wigan, and we have built our business on being the people you call when you have got a real cleaning challenge. The jobs that need doing once or twice a year but are absolutely essential. The ones that require specialist kit and people who actually know what they are doing.
sushma'snacks
Hi, I’m Sushma Solanki, the owner of Sushma’Snacks, a multi award winning artisan food business from Bolton, Greater Manchester. I am passionate about food and have taken inspiration for ingredients and recipes from my roots in Kenya and through over 30 years in the travel industry. I truly believe in the power of food to bring a little sunshine, good times and comfort to our busy daily lives.
EVENT SPONSORS
COSTCO
Costco Wholesale is a multi-billion dollar global retailer with warehouse club operations in 10 countries. We are the recognized leader in our field, dedicated to quality in every area of our business and respected for our outstanding business ethics. Despite our large size and rapid international expansion, we continue to provide an atmosphere in which our employees thrive and succeed.
Costco’s commitment to quality and value in the merchandise we offer our members is not only the cornerstone of our business; it’s also one of the foundations of our Code of Ethics.
3PL
Welcome to 3PL. – The home of technology enabled fulfilment & logistics. Since 2006 we’ve been providing high-quality, competitively priced operational support services for retailers both large or small, across a range of sectors. As one of the most prominent brands in the market we offer customers a compelling proposition across omnichannel fulfilment & delivery management further complemented by access to our proprietary on demand technologies and a range of value added services.
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do as we strive to create customer loyalty beyond reason.
the franchise specialist
The Franchise Specialist is dedicated to helping you with any aspect of franchising. Whether you are looking to franchise your business or buy a franchise, or you are an existing franchisor or franchisee needing help just give us a call for a FREE consultation.
“Whatever the problem we have a solution”
CJM Group
Afin Bank
At Afin Bank, we make banking easy, safe, and built around you.
Tippie Malgwi is a senior financial services professional with over 15 years’ experience across the UK and Africa, specialising in high-net-worth and diaspora banking, specialist lending, and wealth-focused mortgage solutions.
As Head of High-Net-Worth and Diaspora Banking at Afin Bank, Tippie leads the bank’s re-branded Afin High-Net-Worth proposition, supporting “asset rich, income light” borrowers by enabling a wider range of assets to be considered in mortgage affordability. He also oversees Afin Bank’s Diaspora mortgage offering, helping foreign nationals working in the UK overcome barriers to homeownership.
A passionate advocate for inclusive finance, Tippie was named one of the Top 100 African Business Professionals in the UK (2024) and UK Young Banker of the Year (2020). At Afin Bank, he plays a key role in broadening access to homeownership through innovative and inclusive lending solutions.
For more information or to discuss a case, contact Tippie on tippie.malgwi@afinbank.com or 07353 963884
fase group ltd
FASE Group Ltd are a north west based, new build, fit out and refurbishment principal contractor, operating from their head office located in the centre of Wigan, covering and completing projects geographically nationwide.
As a family owned Limited company, the initials FASE, derive from the Managing Directors partner, Son, Daughter and himself, with family members working alongside the Managing Director to successfully enhance the reputation and growth of the business.
Having initially incorporating FASE CSS back in 2016, Sean Moffatt, the Managing Director, set a vision in 2020 for the business to look at growth within the projects and contracting sector. Having changed the name of the business to FASE Group Ltd, and within a global pandemic, Sean, along with all of the team at FASE Group Ltd have worked extremely hard to ensure the vision and the focus of the company grew within a very competitive sector, such as construction and development.
FASE Group Ltd have since been successful with the awarding of a number of new build, refurbishment and fit out contracts, all of which have, and are delivered to ensure we are creating a tailored transition from conception, through to completion for all of our existing, and new clients, with each individual project meeting the clients exact specifications, timeframe and budget, working on a design and build basis or within traditional contracts.
Our main objective at FASE Group Ltd is to ensure we achieve our clients expectations, with a keen eye for detail and hard work to deliver and exceed those expectations, Each individual project is completed and delivered by our experienced team of in house professionals and operatives.
abtec managed it
At abtec, we specialise in delivering market-leading IT services and solutions. We’ve been perfecting our craft since 1995. Our expertise includes IT Support, Communications, Connectivity, Cloud and Cyber Security, serving clients throughout the United Kingdom and across the globe. What truly sets us apart is not just what we do, but how we do it.
Our team possesses the highest levels of technical expertise and industry-leading accreditations to tackle your IT challenges. However, our genuine passion for understanding your organisation, its goals, and its challenges ensures that we always go the extra mile to secure your IT success. We don’t just fix problems; we find innovative ways to enhance your systems, positively impacting your team and overall organisational performance.
impressions print & embroidery
MFL insurance group ltd
MFL Insurance Group Ltd is an independent commercial insurance broker based in Manchester, specialising in Professional Indemnity, Financial Lines and Commercial Insurance.
Since 1997, we have built a strong reputation for supporting businesses that need more than a generalist broker, delivering tailored insurance solutions backed by deep technical expertise and long-standing insurer relationships.
With a proactive, hands-on approach, we provide dedicated account management, responsive claims support and practical risk advice, helping our clients protect what matters through trusted, long-term partnerships.
OUR PARTNERS
