Oh what a night! Wigan Borough Business Awards

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Oh what a night! Wigan Borough Business Awards

Wigan was buzzing on Saturday night (27th September) as The Brick Community Stadium played host to the Wigan Borough Business Awards 2025 – a celebration not just of business success, but of the incredible community spirit that makes our whole borough really special.

The annual awards recognise achievements across 12 categories, and it was the spotlight on community interest companies (CICs) and grassroots groups that really captured hearts.

Daffodils Dreams had an especially proud moment when founder Maureen Holcroft was named Best Boss 2025. Maureen’s leadership and passion have been instrumental in supporting children and families across Wigan, ensuring those living in poverty don’t go without essentials. Her win drew some of the loudest cheers of the night, showing just how highly valued she is in the community.

Meanwhile, Boxing for Better, a CIC using sport to engage and inspire young people, was named CIC of the Year, and praised for creating safe spaces where confidence and resilience can thrive. Both organisations earned huge applause on the night, underlining how vital these projects are to life in Wigan.

The Business of the Year award went to Greenmount Projects, celebrated for their outstanding contribution to the local economy, commitment to staff development, and ongoing involvement in the community.

The evening – hosted by the lively Steve Walls – began with a high-energy Queen medley that set the crowd clapping along, and it didn’t let up from there. Special guests included Cllr David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council, and Alison McKenzie-Folan OBE, Chief Executive, both of whom joined in applauding the achievements of local businesses and community leaders.

There was plenty of fun along the way too – from specially designed Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors scarves handed out to guests (a big hit on the night!) to the lively after-party, Boogie Bingo, which had the stadium bouncing thanks to sponsor Cowgills.

The awards also raised an impressive £3,195 for Wigan & Leigh Hospice, with help from fundraiser sponsor MBH Solicitors.

Speaking after the event, co-founder Sue France said:
“It was incredible to celebrate such a diverse and accomplished group of businesses, charities, and community leaders this evening. Our finalists and winners highlight the best of Wigan Borough – innovative, ambitious, and deeply committed to their community.”

From CICs making a real difference on the ground, to businesses investing in jobs and growth, the Wigan Borough Business Awards 2025 proved once again that Wigan is a borough where community and enterprise go hand in hand.

Behind the scenes, the night ran seamlessly thanks to the hardworking team at Wigan Sporting Events Ltd, who made sure every detail was spot on – from the entertainment to the award presentations. Their effort helped create a smooth and memorable evening for everyone involved.

Personal perspective

On a personal note – I had the privilege of interviewing all the winners as they came off stage, and honestly, it was brilliant. Every single person was buzzing with pride, beaming as they held up their trophies, and so excited to share what the recognition meant to them. It was lovely to see not just the winners’ joy, but also the support from their colleagues, families, and friends who cheered them on.

The atmosphere backstage was every bit as special as what the audience saw on stage – a real reminder of the passion, hard work, and community spirit that make Wigan such a fantastic place to live and work.