Mark Jones
Introduction
I still remember the first time I started researching regional business awards in the UK. Honestly, I expected a list of trophies, formal speeches, and corporate jargon. Instead, I discovered stories of companies that had built strong local roots while competing on a national level. One of the most interesting examples was Zen Internet.
When Zen Internet scooped the Manchester Evening News Business of the Year Award in 2017, it wasn’t just another corporate headline. The company had to outperform competitors across Greater Manchester in the fiercely contested £50 million to £100 million turnover category. That achievement highlighted not only revenue growth but also long-term business leadership, regional commitment, and operational excellence.
In this article, I’ll break down what happened at the award ceremony, why Zen Internet won, what executives said about the recognition, and what other businesses can learn from the company’s journey.
Overview
Embedded Summary
Rochdale-based telecoms and tech company Zen Internet won the prestigious Manchester Evening News Business of the Year Award in 2017.
The company secured the top prize in the highly competitive £50 million to £100 million turnover category, outperforming businesses from across Greater Manchester.
Zen Internet had also previously won the “Turnover under £10m” award in 2004, showing a long history of business growth and regional recognition.
The award highlighted Zen’s strong financial performance, ambitious business strategy, and commitment to the Greater Manchester region.
Readers interested in the company can explore its broader achievements through Manchester Evening News coverage or learn more about Zen’s current telecoms and technology services.
What Is the MEN Business of the Year Award?
The Manchester Evening News Business Awards are among the most respected regional business awards in the UK. By the time Zen Internet won, the awards were already in their 25th year, attracting leading companies from across Greater Manchester.
What makes these awards significant is that they don’t focus solely on revenue. Judges also consider:
- Business growth
- Leadership
- Innovation
- Community impact
- Long-term vision
- Contribution to the regional economy
In my experience, awards with a broader judging process tend to carry more weight because they evaluate how a business operates, not just how much it earns.
The Night Zen Internet Won
The ceremony took place at the Principal Hotel in Manchester, where more than 400 business leaders and industry professionals gathered to celebrate outstanding regional companies.
Zen Internet emerged as the winner in the £50 million to £100 million turnover category, one of the most competitive categories of the evening.
Imagine standing in a room filled with successful business owners, executives, and investors, waiting for the winner to be announced. That’s the kind of atmosphere Zen faced. According to reports, the competition was intense, with companies from across Greater Manchester vying for the title.
Why Zen Internet Stood Out
After reviewing the available information, several factors appear to have contributed to Zen’s success.
Strong Financial Growth
Winning a turnover category worth £50 million to £100 million indicates substantial business scale. Zen had clearly evolved far beyond its earlier years as a smaller regional company.
Commitment to the Region
One of the most important themes mentioned by executives was the company’s commitment to Greater Manchester. Many businesses grow and shift focus elsewhere, but Zen continued to maintain strong regional ties.
Clear Business Ambitions
The judging process reportedly involved getting to know the company’s ambitions and future plans. This suggests that Zen presented a compelling long-term strategy rather than relying solely on past achievements.
A Look at Zen’s Award History
The 2017 win was not Zen’s first recognition from the Manchester Evening News.
Zen Internet Award Timeline
MEN Awards
2004
Turnover under £10m Award
Manchester Evening News Business Awards
2017
Business of the Year Award
£50m–£100m turnover category
This progression tells an interesting story. In 2004, Zen was recognized as a business with turnover under £10 million. By 2017, it was competing in the £50 million to £100 million category. That kind of growth over time is exactly the sort of trajectory award judges love to see.
It also demonstrates that regional businesses can scale significantly without losing their local identity.
What Martin O’Donnell Said
Martin O’Donnell collected the award on behalf of the company.
“It’s a real honour for Zen to be named Business of the Year in our home region. It was a tough and very thorough selection process even to get on the shortlist, and the judges took the time to get to know our business, our ambitions and our commitment to the region.”
What I found particularly interesting is the emphasis on the selection process. This wasn’t a simple application form and quick decision. The judges apparently spent time understanding the company’s operations, ambitions, and regional impact.
That adds credibility to the award because it suggests a deeper evaluation rather than a surface-level assessment.
Lessons Businesses Can Learn from Zen
1. Growth Takes Time
Zen’s journey from a sub-£10 million turnover winner in 2004 to a £50–£100 million category winner in 2017 didn’t happen overnight.
One practical takeaway: sustainable growth often matters more than rapid short-term expansion.
2. Regional Reputation Matters
Many companies focus entirely on national or international recognition. Zen showed that building a strong reputation in your home region can create powerful opportunities.
3. Tell a Clear Story
The judges reportedly looked at the company’s ambitions and commitment to the region. Businesses applying for awards should clearly communicate:
- Where they’ve come from
- What they’ve achieved
- Where they’re going next
My Research Experience
While researching this story, I noticed something that reminded me of a local business owner I once interviewed. He told me, “People think awards are about trophies, but they’re really about trust.”
That quote fits Zen’s story perfectly. The company didn’t just win because of turnover figures; it won because judges viewed it as a trusted, ambitious, and regionally committed business.
And honestly, after digging through the details, I can see why. The combination of financial growth, long-term presence, and local engagement creates a much stronger narrative than revenue numbers alone.
Quick Tips for Businesses Seeking Regional Awards
Quick Tips
- Document measurable growth year by year.
- Highlight community and regional contributions.
- Prepare clear case studies of business impact.
- Show long-term strategy, not just recent success.
- Include leadership insights and company values.
FAQs
What award did Zen Internet win?
Zen Internet won the Manchester Evening News Business of the Year Award in 2017.
Which category did Zen win?
The company won the highly competitive £50 million to £100 million turnover category.
Where was the award ceremony held?
The ceremony took place at the Principal Hotel in Manchester.
Had Zen won a MEN award before?
Yes. Zen previously won the “Turnover under £10m” award in 2004.
Why is the MEN Business Awards win significant?
The awards are considered among the most prestigious regional business awards in the UK and involve a thorough judging process that evaluates growth, leadership, ambitions, and regional commitment.
Conclusion
Zen Internet’s Manchester Evening News Business of the Year Award win was more than a ceremonial achievement. It represented years of growth, strategic planning, and commitment to Greater Manchester.
What makes the story particularly compelling is the company’s progression from winning a Turnover under £10m award in 2004 to capturing the £50 million to £100 million turnover category in 2017. That journey demonstrates how a regional telecoms and technology company can evolve into a major business success story while maintaining strong local roots.
In my experience, the most meaningful business awards are the ones that recognize both performance and purpose. Zen’s victory appears to have done exactly that, combining financial success with a clear commitment to its home region.
If you’re researching regional business excellence, telecoms industry success stories, or examples of long-term company growth, Zen Internet’s MEN Business of the Year win remains a strong case study worth studying.
Have you followed any other Greater Manchester business award stories, or are you interested in Zen Internet’s current services and recent achievements? I’d be happy to explore those next.
Michael Nelson
