Bruntwood receives the inaugural Sir Howard Bernstein Award

Leading property company, Bruntwood, was presented with the inaugural ‘Sir Howard Bernstein Award’ at the City of Manchester Business Awards, held last night at the Principal Hotel, on Oxford Street.

Now in their seventh year, the awards – hosted by Downtown in Business – celebrate Manchester’s finest businesses, business leaders, entrepreneurs and decision makers.

The new award category has been created in recognition of Sir Howard’s illustrious 46-year tenure at Manchester City Council. During this time he was not only responsible for overseeing numerous transformative regeneration projects, and attracting international investment into the city, but also widely credited with bringing together the public and private sectors in partnership.

Frank McKenna, Downtown Chief Executive, said: “We wanted to be able to show our appreciation to Howard for the incredible work he has done in Manchester – and for the great support he has given us since we launched here eight years ago.

“Rather than present him with an award, we have named one of the special awards after the great man.

“Each year the award will go to the company that has demonstrated a significant commitment to Manchester; an innovative business, and one that has the entrepreneurial edge that represents the city and Sir Howard Bernstein’s work here.”

On receiving the award, Chris Oglesby, Bruntwood Chief Executive, said: “Sir Howard’s approach to attracting investment, encouraging development and regeneration, and forging partnerships was both innovative and entrepreneurial – qualities and a way of working we at Bruntwood are determined to uphold.”

“We’re honoured to receive this new award, which is a fitting tribute to a man who is undoubtedly not only Manchester’s greatest public servant, but also an ardent and long-term supporter of the city’s business community.”

This year’s presentation ceremony saw a keynote address from the city’s newly-elected metro mayor, Andy Burnham.