Midshire MD named Stockport Business Person of the Year 2015

The Stockport Business Awards, held on the 15^th October was yet another fantastic evening celebrating the success of Stockport’s leading businesses and individual talent.

Hosted at Stockport Town Hall for the first time, the Stockport Business Awards, organised by local accountancy firm Clarke Nicklin, is now recognised as one of the main business events of the year in Stockport, with over 380 local business people attending to find out which of the shortlisted contenders would be crowned in the 12 categories.

Representing Midshire at this year’s awards were Managing Director Julian Stafford and Marketing Manager Adrienne Topping who were shortlisted for Business Person of the Year and Young Business Person of the Year respectively.

It was success for Julian as he was crowned victor in his category, beating off some incredibly tough competition to be named Stockport Business Person of the Year 2015.

Led by Julian Stafford, Midshire Business Systems Northern has grown from zero customers and two employees, to now supplying over 1,700 customers and currently services 3,800 machines in the field. Now employing over 65 staff, Julian has also opened a further two regional offices in Sheffield and Wales, launched an IT services arm to the business and continues to drive change and growth for the Midshire Group.

As well as driving Midshire’s success, Julian works hard to support the local community through sponsorship, charitable fundraising and technology support.

Julian Commented: “I’m delighted and extremely proud to have received such a prestigious award, especially in the face of such stiff competition from Carl Hampson and Chris Appleyard. What Carl has achieved at Allied Bakeries in the last few years is nothing short of miraculous!

I look on this award, not so much as a personal award, but for Midshire as a whole. I am surrounded by the most amazing team and this award is testament to their skill, dedication and outstanding passion to support our customers to the best of their ability.”

Although unsuccessful in her category, Adrienne has been a vital part of Midshire’s success over the last 3 years, completely transforming the group’s image through an in-house company re-brand, which has cemented Midshire’s identity as an industry leading, full service office technology provider. Adrienne greatly contributed to the success of the evening for Midshire as she also wrote the winning application for Julian.

The awards don’t finish here though. Julian is shortlisted for two more awards, at the North West Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, which are being announced on Wednesday 21^st October at The Mere Hotel and Golf Club. The awards are: Technology Entrepreneur of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year.

A host of awards were presented to the best business talent in the region. Here is the full list of winners:

Business of the Year £5m+ – sponsored by NatWest
Valour Finance

Business of the Year £1-5m – sponsored by Orbit Developments
Pioneer Digital Solutions

Business of the Year up to £1m – sponsored by Gorvins Solicitors
Trust Brand Communications

Business Person of the Year – sponsored by Clarke Nicklin Chartered Accountants
Julian Stafford, Midshire Business Systems

Most Promising Young Business – sponsored by Leemic
IN Accountancy

Young Business Person of the Year – sponsored by Clarke Nicklin Financial Planning
Muhammad Jamil, Parcel Plus

The Award for Developing Young People – sponsored by CDL
SAS Daniels

Employer of the Year Award – sponsored by Ashcroft Creative Design
Rowlinson Knitwear

The Award for Most Innovative Business – sponsored by Marketing Stockport
APEM

Best International Trade Company – sponsored by MAN Diesel & Turbo
Parkcloud

Independent Retailer of the Year – sponsored by Stockport Express
Bramhall Bakery

Best Not for Profit Organisation – sponsored by Metronet UK
Life Leisure

The We Are Stockport Award
Vintage Village

Special Recognition Award
Robinsons Brewery