Started online in 2021 by Stockport creative Aqua Design Group as a means of showcasing and supporting businesses in the town that were needing a boost during the Covid-19 pandemic and various lockdowns.
In 2022 it saw the first physical awards ceremony taking place at The Produce Hall in the town’s historic marketplace.
As with the year before, these awards had public nominations for businesses to enter the nine categories within the awards and those with the most nominations within their category were then shortlisted as finalists with 45 businesses becoming finalists in 2022.
The awards saw over 2,800 votes being cast online to choose the winner of each category and in 2022 saw the introduction of category sponsors and two main sponsors.
Business of the Year, sponsored by The Produce Hall
Won by Bask
Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Stockport Women’s Networking Group
Won by Daisy Imprints
Concept of the Year, sponsored by Dorset Tech
Won by Flecky Bennett’s The Stockport Ghost Walk
Food Producer of the Year, sponsored by Stephensons
Won by I Knead Pizza
Drink Producer of the Year, sponsored by Kate O’Brien Art
Won by Stockport Gin
Best Crafter of the Year, sponsored by Worker Bee Markets
Won by Wonky Tails Pet Accessories
Business to look out for, sponsored by IN Accountancy
Won by Sticky Fingers
Capturing Stockport Award, sponsored by Jobs 4 Teens
Won by Darren Smith Photography
Independent Shop Front, sponsored by Kitsch Republic
Won by Caro Boutique
The awards would not have been made possible without the sponsorship of Rise Homes, who were responsible for the construction and management of The Mailbox located at the site of the old sorting office on Exchange Street and Azets, who help small businesses with their accounts along with business development.
This year’s chosen charity for the awards was Stockport based Walthew House, in which a hamper was on offer with items from The Warren, Kate O’Brien Art and Stockport Gin included and a business card draw, which raised £165.00 for the charity.
Noel Hankinson, Office Managing Partner at Azets in Stockport said:
“Azets is delighted to support the Made in Stockport Awards. These awards are inspirational
and we value the opportunity to showcase artisan and creative industries and businesses across the town.
“We are honoured to sponsor the awards and look forward to celebrating
all those firms in the Stockport business community and their incredible achievements.”
Dylan Moore, owner of Aqua Design Group said:
“There are exciting plans moving forward with the awards and looking forward to more businesses from across the town getting involved, be they just starting out in business or looking for a business boost.”
To find out more about the awards, please visit www.aquadesigngroup.co.uk
