Meet the MEN Business Awards judges

The MEN Business Awards are under way, as we get ready to recognise the accomplishments of companies across Manchester. The awards - with headline sponsors Brewin Dolphin, Robert Walters, PwC, CMS and LDC - will be held at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel on April 7. Tickets are £100+VAT - to get your tickets, visit the official website.

After a period of judging, this year's finalists have been decided - and you can read the full shortlist here. The judging was carried out by some of our category sponsors - as companies themselves, they have a unique insight into just what it takes to call a business successful. This is what our judges had to say about the process:

Brewin Dolphin

Divisional director at Brewin Dolphin, Bradley Russell, said:

“Brewin Dolphin is delighted to, once again, sponsor the MEN Business Awards. We meet a huge number of fantastic and exciting businesses each year that we’re involved in these awards, and it never ceases to amaze us how many hidden gems there are in the region.

"More than the numbers, what really interests us, is the story behind the business. The what, when and why which drives each business and the senior leadership team behind it. Those businesses which have a true mission and purpose at their heart are the businesses which excite us and it’s a great feeling to leave a site visit with butterflies at the story you’ve just heard.”

CMS

Partner at CMS, Geraldine Ryan, said:

“Our CMS judges have tried to isolate those businesses which have a product or offering that is different from their competitors. We have looked for exceptional innovation, and customer service and we have also focused on financial performance. But that is not enough; good profitability is no longer enough to