I’m Honoured to Be Shortlisted for Entrepreneur of the Year for Pride of Tameside Business Awards 2026
I am delighted to share some very special news.
I have been shortlisted for Entrepreneur of the Year at the Pride of Tameside Business Awards 2026.
When I received the news, I felt a genuine sense of pride not simply because of the award itself, but because this recognition comes from a community that has been such an important part of my personal, professional and entrepreneurial journey.
Entrepreneurship has never just been about business
When I started Sterling Finance UK Limited, my ambition was never simply to build an accountancy practice. I wanted to build a business that could make a difference. A business that helps entrepreneurs understand their numbers, save tax legitimately, improve profitability and make better financial decisions.
A business where young people can be given an opportunity, develop professionally and build a career.
And a business that contributes something back to the community that has supported it. Over the years, Sterling Finance has grown and evolved considerably, but those principles have remained at the heart of what we do.
The journey matters as much as the destination
Anyone who has built a business will know that entrepreneurship is rarely a straight road.
There are successes, failures, difficult decisions, long days, calculated risks and plenty of lessons along the way. I have always believed that success is not simply measured by the size of your business or the numbers on your balance sheet. It is also measured by the people you develop, the opportunities you create, the businesses you help, the relationships you build and the positive impact you leave behind. That philosophy has shaped much of my journey.
Alongside running Sterling Finance, I have always tried to contribute my time and experience through education, mentoring, business networking, professional speaking and community and charitable activities.
One of the things that gives me the greatest satisfaction is seeing people and businesses that I have worked with develop and succeed.
Investing in the next generation
Developing young people has always been particularly important to me. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to combine business with education through teaching, lecturing and external examiner roles.
At Sterling Finance, we have continued that philosophy by providing opportunities through apprenticeships, work experience, training and professional development. Knowledge and experience become far more valuable when we are prepared to pass them on. I firmly believe that established professionals and entrepreneurs have a responsibility to help create opportunities for the next generation.
Proud to represent Tameside
Being shortlisted for this particular award means a great deal to me because of my long association with Tameside. I have seen first-hand the entrepreneurial talent that exists across our borough.
Behind every successful local business there is usually a story of determination, risk, resilience and someone prepared to believe in an idea and turn it into reality.
The Pride of Tameside Business Awards provide an important platform to recognise those stories and celebrate the businesses and individuals contributing to our local economy and community. I am therefore extremely proud to be shortlisted alongside Julie Mallinson of The Power of Resilience CIC and Sarah Crossley of Your Wellbeing Company. I wish them both every success.
This recognition belongs to many people
Although my name appears on the shortlist, no entrepreneur builds a successful business alone.
I have been fortunate to have some wonderful people around me throughout my journey.
So I want to say a sincere thank you to the entire Sterling Finance team. past and present for their commitment and contribution.
Thank you to our clients, many of whom have trusted us for many years.
Thank you to my professional colleagues, business associates, friends and everyone within the wider Tameside business community who has supported and encouraged me.
And, of course, thank you to my family, whose support throughout the entrepreneurial journey has been invaluable.
Being shortlisted is already an achievement. Of course.
I would be delighted to win, but I also believe it is important to enjoy and appreciate these moments. To have my entrepreneurial journey recognised and to be shortlisted amongst some outstanding people and businesses is already something of which I am immensely proud.
Congratulations to every individual and business shortlisted for the Pride of Tameside Business Awards 2026.
Thank you also to the organisers, judges and sponsors who make these awards possible, including Bromleys Solicitors LLP, sponsors of the Entrepreneur of the Year category.
I am looking forward to the awards evening and, most importantly, to celebrating the achievements of the remarkable businesses and people we have here in Tameside.
Whatever the final result, this is a moment I will remember.