On 30 September, our MD Scott Rothwell joined the judging panel for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Wigan Business Awards 2026.
It turned out to be one of those days that makes an impression on you.
The finalists came from different backgrounds and different sectors, but they shared lot’s of things in common; the main thing was decades of commitment to their businesses, their people and the borough.
Three of this year’s finalists are now in their 80s.
Between them, they have built successful businesses, created jobs and supported the community.
Their contribution to Wigan spans many years. Scott wanted to judge and take inspiration from this one from the beginning.
Decades of experience in one room
The Lifetime Achievement Award looks beyond one successful year or one standout project.
It recognises those people who have kept going, who have built something, adapted and survived difficult periods. These people continued to contribute long after others might have stepped away.
Listening to the finalists journeys gave the judging panel a real sense of the impact each person has made.
There was plenty of admiration in the room.
For Scott, the experience reinforced how much local businesses owe to the people who came before them and helped shape the borough’s business community.
A message from Scott
Scott would like to congratulate every Lifetime Achievement finalist and wish them the very best of luck ahead of the Wigan Business Awards.
More importantly, he wants to thank them.
“Thank you for the businesses you have built, the people and the communities you have supported and the example you continue to set.
Whatever happens on awards night, reaching the final in this category reflects a lifetime of contribution.
And that deserves a prize in itself!”
