• New awards celebrate Greater Manchester’s talent and influence across entertainment, community and business
  • Awards on 8 November 2018 at the Hilton Hotel Deansgate
  • Nominated charity is the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Homelessness Fund

This is Manchester Awards will showcase the incredible talent Greater Manchester has at its heart, the creme de la creme of the region.

Britain’s second city, the capital of the North and the world’s first industrial city, Manchester has continued to develop with the times and is a city at the heart of progression and production; not just at home but globally.

The most linguistically diverse city in Western Europe with 200 spoken languages. Manchester is renowned for its music scene, as a footballing mecca, a live events capital and as a hotbed of creative talent in fashion and industry. Not forgetting also our envied sense of pride and community.

This Is Manchester Awards will champion and recognise individuals and organisations rooted in Manchester from fashion, entertainment, sports, hospitality, food and drink, the night time economy as well as individuals and organisations who have contributed to the community within Manchester and beyond.

Nominations are open now until 31 August 2018, for individuals and businesses across 13 categories (full list here), are free to enter and will be judged by a hand-picked panel of industry experts.

Categories include; Leading Bar/ Restaurant/ Chef/ Hotel as well as Leading Live Event/ Music Venue/ Cultural Venue, Force for Fashion/ Business andCommunity Awards, plus special awards for Centenary Woman and Manchester Supernova.

The judging panel selection has already started and judges include Ged Doherty (Chairman of the British Phonographic Industry and BRIT Awards Limited and the co-founder of Raindog Films), Joleon Lescott (Retired Manchester City, Wolves, Everton, West Brom, Aston Villa, AEK Athens and Sunderland Footballer, TV Pundit / DJ) and Kate Squire (Managing Editor, BBC Radio Manchester).

This is Manchester Awards is the brainchild of Ziara Siddique, MD of Elite Profile Agency a  proud lifelong Mancunian.

Ziara said; “As a proud Mancunian I’ve been lucky to work with many high-profile individuals within sports, music and industry all of whom wax lyrical about how amazing Manchester is and how proud they are to be representing Manchester on a global scale. I was surprised then that such a great city didn’t have a multi-sector awards set up to recognise those forward-thinking businesses and individuals.

“This is not a whimsical project, I’ve spoken to literally hundreds of people about the awards all of whom think it’s a great idea.  I guess it was just time for me to step up and I’ve been overwhelmed by all the support we’ve had so far.”

The nominations are open until 31 August following which there will be a published shortlist and period of reflection for the judges.

The winners will be announced at an awards event at the Hilton Hotel Deansgate on 8 November 2018 with organisers promising a fantastic headline act which will be announced nearer the event.

Monies raised on the night will all be donated to the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Homelessness Fund.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said; “Across Greater Manchester, organisations and individuals are working together to end the need for rough-sleeping. We would like to thank the ‘This is Manchester Awards’ for supporting the fund to do just that and wish all the entrants the very best of luck and recognition they deserve.  Anything that champions the amazing talent we have across Greater Manchester is to be celebrated.”

Headline sponsorship for the awards has already been snapped up by Rochdale headquartered Footasylum PLC (although there are many more opportunities for businesses to get involved. Sponsorship opportunities here).

Howard Tattersall from Footasylum said; “It’s the best city in the world. Manchester’s history of commerce, sport and music mean Footasylum’s heartland couldn’t be anywhere else. Its people represent the UK’s creativity, tenacity and wit – and have built a culture that resonates with communities all over the world. Their down-to-earth optimism is at the heart of the city, and the heart of our brand.”

Comments from the judges;

Ged Doherty, Chairman of the British Phonographic Industry and BRIT Awards Limited and the co-founder of Raindog Films said; “I grew up in Wythenshawe surrounded by a big family and have always considered myself from Manchester.  When I was starting out I had no choice but to move away to pursue my dream but, I’m pleased to say that this wouldn’t be the case today.  The city is a hotbed for the arts and alive with creativity and support.  I was proud to be asked to contribute to these amazing awards.”

Kate Squire, Managing Editor, BBC Radio Manchester said; As a radio station we’re at the heart of our communities, and we’re all about local passion and pride. These awards will reflect all of that and how great our city is.  The community award is searching for those amazing people who make a real difference where they live and give them some of the recognition they so richly deserve.”

Joleon Lescott, Retired Manchester City, Wolves, Everton, West Brom, Aston Villa, AEK Athens and Sunderland Footballer, TV Pundit & DJ said; “I feel incredibly passionate and connected to Manchester it’s like my adopted home.  The city has a way of welcoming you and making you feel a part of it even if you’re not actually born here.  I’ve spent a lot of time in Manchester and was made up to be asked to be a part of these awards.”

For more information please visit www.thisismanchesterawards.com, email [email protected] or telephone 0161 6670898 now.