Launch North West

29/09/2026

SEPTEMBER AT LAUNCH NW 📸

September, you’ve been BUSY.

We started the month with the beginning of Wigan Business Awards judging, with our finalists meeting their judging panels throughout September.

Months of nominations, applications, shortlisting and organising all came down to those 20-minute interviews and we can now officially say they’re DONE! (As of tomorrow anyway) 🙌

Then, on 8th September, we had some lovely news of our own. Launch NW received the Gold Award from Wigan Council for the Believe in Business Charter. 🏆

On the 9th, Nichola sat down with Karen McBride for an interview ahead of Just A Girl From North Manchester: A Photographic Exhibition. We first met Karen through our work with Sound HER Out, so it was lovely to see another connection lead to something new.

Then on the 10th it was Nichola’s birthday.

Which Jo completely forgot to post about. 🤦‍♀️😂

So, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY NICHOLA! 🎂

On the 17th, we were back at Leigh Spinners Mill for our monthly networking event, catching up with familiar faces, welcoming new ones and making more connections across the borough.

Then came the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards on the 25th.

We were finalists again this year and, although we didn’t bring a trophy home, Wigan certainly did.

Four of the 16 awards went to Wigan businesses and all four winners have a connection to the Wigan Business Awards as past finalists, current finalists or sponsors.

Plenty to celebrate! 💙

Behind the scenes, Jo has also started building a website for a brand new client doing something VERY exciting. We can’t tell you what it is yet… but we will. 👀

Work is also continuing on the new Wigan Business Expo for 2027, alongside websites, client work, Wigan Business Awards preparations and everything else September has thrown at us.

And now October is waiting around the corner...

SheChain Live on the 1st, the Enterprise Vision Awards on the 2nd, and The Dave Rees Memorial Ball in aid of Wigan & Leigh Hospice on the 3rd.

Three events in three days.

October clearly hasn’t read the memo about easing us in gently. 😂

24/09/2026

Wish us luck… 🤞💙

We spend a LOT of time encouraging other businesses to put themselves forward, shout about what they’ve achieved and give themselves a bit of credit.

Every now and then, we have to take our own advice.

Last year, we put the Wigan Business Awards campaign in front of independent judges and came home with the Marketing Impact Award at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards. 🏆

This Friday, we’re heading back as finalists for Micro Business of the Year.

Then next week, we’re off to the Enterprise Vision Awards as finalists for Family Business of the Year. And that one feels BIG.

Two sisters. One little family run business from Atherton. And somehow we’ve found ourselves amongst some pretty incredible company.

So yes, we’re nervous. Yes, we’re excited. And yes, we’re practising what we preach.

Because sometimes you have to back yourself too. 💙

Read the full story 👇
https://launchnw.co.uk/when-the-wigan-business-awards-win-awards/

So instead of telling people how good the Wigan Business Awards campaign is, we decided to put the work itself.

15/09/2026

Huge thanks to all these super star business people 🙌

15/09/2026

There’s plenty to look forward to at this Thursdays Monthly Meeting! From important updates and conversations to opportunities to connect and share, it’s a chance for everyone to come together and stay involved. 💬🤝

Make sure you’ve got it in your diary — we’ll see you there!

📅 Book today, https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FSOZ

10/09/2026

The countdown is officially on! 🎉 Just one week to go until our Thursday Monthly Meeting. This is another great opportunity for us to come together, connect with one another, share important updates, celebrate progress and look ahead to what’s coming next.

Whether you’re joining to catch up, get involved, hear what’s happening or simply be part of the community, we’d love to see you there! 🙌

📅 Book today, https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FSOZ

We’ll see you next Thursday! 💫

07/09/2026

Our next Thursday Monthly Meeting is coming up, and we’re getting ready for another great session! 🙌

Join us as we come together to connect, share updates, discuss what’s happening and look ahead at the exciting things still to come. It’s always better when we’re all in the room, so make sure you don’t miss out! 👏✨

📅 Book today, https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FSOZ

07/09/2026

The EPiC HOPE UK Harbour Van will be parked outside Varty’s Funeral Directors from 10am.

If you need someone to talk to, want to find out what support is available, or you’re worried about someone else, you’re welcome to come along.

📍 Varty’s Funeral Directors, Darlville, Manchester Road, Higher Ince, Wigan, WN2 2EA
🕙 From 10am tomorrow

Please share, you never know who might need to see it.

06/09/2026

Hellooooo 👋🏻 We hope you’ve had a great summer ✨

We're thrilled to Spotlight this Event.

Karen McBrides incredible new exhibition ‘Just a girl from North Manchester’ 🩷

The exhibition will be on from the 4th of September to the 31st of December at Manchester Central Library and we will be joining Karen for her event: ‘In conversation’ on Wednesday the 9th where she will be interviewed by our very own Nichola Howard 💪

They will be discussing the stories behind the photographs, the making of the exhibition and the journey that led to just a girl from North Manchester.

You may remember that Karen Kaz Mcb came to one of our Sound Her Out events last year and shared her amazing career as a Photographer within music.

We are so excited and proud to support her.

Here's a few pictures Nic took from the set up 👇

I'll Bob the ticket link for Wednesday in the comments.

26/08/2026

The Jobs Guarantee offers six months of fully funded, paid work (25 hours per week) for eligible 18–21-year-olds on Universal Credit for 18 months or more.

Delivered across Greater Manchester, it supports employers to build future talent, expand teams, and bring fresh ideas into their business at minimal cost. Backed by the DWP, the programme includes simple onboarding and wraparound support.

Learn more: https://dub.sh/kXfHnVc

26/08/2026

Take a bow 🤩 2026 finalists announced 👇

Congratulations 🎊

The Wigan Business Awards 2026 finalists are announced after a 30 per cent rise in nominations