AN Oldham furniture firm is hoping to nail a regional accolade after being shortlisted for Business of the Year.

Hills Panel Products (HPP) is a finalist in the turnover £25-£50million category of MEN Business Awards 2018, highlighting growth across sales, manufacturing, distribution, employment, investment and international trade.

The firm, based in Scottfield Road, makes components for the furniture industry and manufactures kitchen and bedroom doors, supplying products customers across the UK and Ireland.

Managing director Keith Wardrope said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for the MEN Business of the Year Awards.

"Success would send out a positive message about our contribution to manufacturing regionally and nationally as well as to our staff, customers and suppliers. It would recognise that whilst we’ve been quietly going about our business over the last few years, now is our time to shine.

“Despite Brexit uncertainty, our turnover rose 16 per cent year-on-year to £31 million for the past financial year.

“Our manufacturing facilities have been boosted by a £2 million investment programme, enhancing speed, efficiency and accuracy, and capacity for bespoke products. Door sales have risen by 30 per cent, creating 11 new jobs. We have supplied components for up to 1,700 apartments in Manchester, emphasised excellent customer service across the business and invested in state-of-the-art machinery.

He added: “The quality of our staff is instrumental in our success. Heavy investment in training and support has boosted high staff-retention and satisfaction rates.

"We’re also proud to have developed systems in-house to maximise manufacturing production and efficiency. Over 90 per cent of our operations are handled internally, including website, transport, recruitment and IT systems.

“We have raised the bar for manufacturing, created jobs in a range of manufacturing and support roles including IT, sales, marketing and logistics."

Following the shortlisting, HPP and other finalists will give presentations to judges in Manchester.

The ceremony takes place on November 15 at Manchester’s Principal Hotel hosted by TV presenter Nicholas Owen.