The Bolton News Business Awards are back for 2024 and we’re shining a spotlight on this year's category sponsors.

The event, which this year has Bolton Council and Leisure Guard Security as headline sponsors, will take place on Friday, September 20 in the Premier Suite at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

The awards celebrate achievement and highlight successful and innovative companies doing fantastic things in the Bolton area.

Today, we're looking at MBDA, sponsor of the Business of the Year Award. Ged O'Dwyer, Manufacturing Sector Head, answers our questions.

(Image: Newsquest)

What inspired your Business to sponsor The Bolton News Business Awards this year?  

MBDA, previously British Aerospace, has been part of the Bolton business community for more than 80 years, and as such takes great pride in playing its part in celebrating new and exciting enterprises that have taken root in our town. 

How does sponsoring these awards align with your company's values and objectives?  

MBDA continually strives to be the leader in missile systems design and manufacture and prides itself on the values that underpin this ambition. All of the nominees that are lucky to be shortlisted exhibit many of the values that we as a business aspire to demonstrate, i.e. team spirit, innovation, commitment, passion and integrity.  

What specific outcomes or benefits are you hoping to achieve through your sponsorship? 

This will be the third consecutive year that MBDA has chosen to play a part in the awards, and as a very large employer in the town, it is more important than ever that we are seen to be present at such a prestigious event. 

Why do you believe it is important to support these awards and continue highlighting Bolton and what its businesses have to offer? 

Bolton has a wide diversity of skills and cultures that enables it to adapt and embrace change in whatever field of business it has challenged itself to master. MBDA seeks to thrive in this environment, through engagement with the University, Council and schools to help shape its future capabilities and opportunities. 

What led your company to choose to sponsor this particular category? 

MBDA in Bolton employs more than 1,000 local people, who are committed to their industry, so how better to reflect our continuing support and growth within the town, than to sponsor the Business of the Year Award. 

What are the upcoming plans or future goals for your business? 

MBDA plans to grow its current product portfolio and therefore further enhance its employment opportunities locally in what is a very exciting and challenging sector. 

Could you share any recent projects or successes that your company is proud of? 

MBDA are continually looking to improve its gender balance with a target of 30 per cent females by 2030; currently, we have just passed 25 per cent, and have embedded innovative strategies to reach our target as soon as possible. 

If you'd like to buy tickets for the awards, visit https://store.newsquest.co.uk/the-bolton-news-business-awards-2024-tickets.