This Is MCR Awards 2019 celebrates those making a difference in the community – and the winners are

Manchester has long been home to a vibrant music scene, and is a sports mecca the world over, bursting with live events. It’s safe to say that the city is a hotbed for creative talent.

When it comes to ‘spirit and grit’, no one does it better than the big-hearted region. 

The inaugural This is MCR Awards were created last year to honour the rising stars in the world of fashion, entertainment, sports, hospitality, technology and property, as well as those who have contributed to the betterment of the Greater Manchester community. 

Over 400 people attended the 2019 awards this week, including Joe Hart, Joe Gallagher, Jenny Powell, Stacey Forsey, Umar Kamani, John Roberts, Patrice Evra, Anthony Crolla, Scott Thomas, Adam Kamani and Fred Done. 

Ziara Siddique, the MD of Elite Profile Agency, and the founder of the awards, praised the work of these individuals, saying: “The team and I once again were totally blown away by this year’s entries. 

“I’d like to pay special reference to all those amazing people and organisations making a difference in the community – they’re a real representation of what makes our great region and city so amazing.” 

Chris Greenhalgh, CEO of I Love MCR, who partnered with the awards for a second year, presented awards for both Organisation Making a Difference in the Community and Individual Making a Difference in the Community, which went to Foodinate and Joe Gallagher.

“It’s important that we recognise the achievements of individuals as well as organisations, and especially those who make a difference in the community,” said Chris.

“These aren’t people who do it for personal gain – they do it to help others, and it’s important to celebrate that.”

Alongside the shortlisted businesses, organisations, charities and individuals, there were some special awards presented. Manchester born and bred tech entrepreneur Louis-James Davis was awarded the Emerging Talent Award in recognition for championing the city on an international platform. 

The final accolade, the Supernova Award, was presented to Fred Done, CEO of Betfred, for his charity work, specifically that which aims to support the young people of Greater Manchester. 

Monies raised during the evening were donated to Manchester’s HideOut Youth Zone, a charity dedicated to supporting young people by providing opportunities and support in a safe and secure environment. 

Here is the full list of winners:

•     Leading Formal Dining – Fazenda
•     Leading Smart Casual Dining – TNQ Restaurant & Bar
•     Leading Specialist Dining Experience – Bridgewater Cruises
•     Leading Chef of the Year – Simon Wood, Wood Manchester
•     Leading Bar of the Year – 20 Stories – D&D London
•     Leading Hotel of The Year – The Edwardian Manchester: A Radisson Collection Hotel
•     Leading Live Event – India vs Pakistan ICC Cricket World Cup – Lancashire Cricket Ground
•     Leading Live Event Venue of the Year – Manchester Central
•     Leading Cultural Venue of the Year – The Met Bury
•     Leading Digital / Tech Innovator – Godel Technologies
•     Individual Making a Difference in the Community – Joe Gallagher
•     Organisation Making a Difference in the Community – Foodinate
•     Developer/ Construction Company of the Year – Kamani Property Group
•     Emerging Talent Award – Louis-James Davis – VST Enterprises
•     Leading Sporting Venue of the Year – Lancashire Cricket Club – Emirates Old Trafford
•     Force for Fashion – Boohoo Group
•     Supernova Award – Fred Done – CEO Betfred