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Northern Design Awards 2011 - Press Release

A glittering celebration of Northern architecture, interior design and craftsmanship took place at the Lowry Hotel, Manchester on Thursday 24th November.

With accolades awarded to leading architects, designers, retailers and trade, the shortlisted businesses were a collection of the North’s finest.

Guests enjoyed a sumptuous five-star evening attended by the best of the best of Northern design, architecture and retail. Held at the Lowry Hotel the evening started with an incredible choreographed UV light and dance performance by Feeding The Fish productions, following a champagne reception and three course dinner with wines, entertainment, the awards ceremony and guest speakers. The host for the evening’s proceedings was Mr. George Clark of Channel 4 programme 'Restoration Man'. Mr. Clarke described the evening as “A truly inspirational evening. It was incredibly exciting to see so many Northern Businesses celebrating true talent and real skill from all over the region.” The event saw more than 150 businesses attending from all over the North. National and regional press were in attendance alongside local and regional glossies and lifestyle publications, including media partner, Livingetc magazine. Presenting the awards were a handful of the judges alongside media guests and Steve Macfarlane of sponsoring company, Miele.

Being judged by the very best in the business will leave a lasting mark for the finalists and the winners of this year’s awards. Two of the winners were amongst those from last year’s event. David Keegan for Best Garden Designer of the year – and Rebecca Davies for Independent Retailer with her Nantwich store – Aunty Mabel’s Seat.

The judging for the Northern Design Awards was down to a respected panel of experts in their fields. Sir. Terence Conran joined the panel this year for the first time along with infamous designer Wayne Hemingway, and Suzanne Imre of Livingetc magazine. Jan Constantine, Diarmuid Gavin, Nick Munro and RIBA Chairman Geoff Alsop also had the hard task of scoring the hundreds of entries.

Shelley Bond, Event Manager said: “The Northern Design Awards reinforce the region’s commitment to breathtaking design, cutting edge style and quality craftsmanship. I have been absolutely delighted with the amount and quality, of entries this year. We are very excited about next year’s awards and I am already putting the motions in place to create an even larger event for the North.”

The 16 winners received a bespoke hand-blown glass award made by local designer Gemma Truman.

For all the information you need about the awards including categories, entry details and latest news, visit www.northerndesignawards.com / Shelley Bond 01244 881 888 ext 303