We’re delighted to welcome Varty’s Funeral Directors back as sponsors of Best New Business for the third year in a row.
This one feels especially meaningful because Varty’s relationship with the Wigan Business Awards has grown far beyond sponsorship.
Since joining the campaign, they’ve embraced new ideas, built valuable relationships, and continued moving the business forward while protecting the history and reputation behind the Varty name.
A Business Moving Forward
Varty’s has served local families for generations, but Kristen has also recognised the importance of preparing the business for the future.
Over the last few years, they’ve refreshed their brand and introduced a more modern identity that reflects the next chapter of the family business.
The rebrand has helped bring Varty’s into the 21st century while keeping the care, trust, and personal service people already associate with them.
For Kristen, that balance matters. She is continuing the family legacy while also building a business that reflects her own leadership and vision.
Relationships That Started Through the Awards
One of the biggest benefits of the Wigan Business Awards is what happens after people meet.
Through the campaign, Varty’s developed a relationship with EPiC Hope CIC, whose work supports suicide prevention and people facing difficult times.
That connection has continued to grow, leading to fundraising, collaboration, and genuine friendship.
Varty’s also joined forces with Lowton Creative Branded Workwear for a golf day raising funds for In Memory of Baby G.
Lowton Creative Branded Workwear has since produced Varty’s branded workwear, creating another local working relationship built through the awards.
These connections may never have happened without the Wigan Business Awards bringing people together.
They show exactly what we mean when we talk about keeping the pound in Wigan, supporting local suppliers, and creating opportunities that last beyond the ceremony.
Supporting the Next Generation
Varty’s continues to sponsor Best New Business because they understand what it takes to build something that lasts.
Every established business once had a first customer, a difficult decision, and a moment when giving up might have felt easier.
This category celebrates the people taking those early risks and creating something of their own.
Kristen Varty, Managing Director of Varty’s Funeral Directors, said:
“The Wigan Business Awards have introduced us to people and organisations we may never have met otherwise.
Those relationships have led to new suppliers, fundraising opportunities, and partnerships that genuinely mean something to us.
We’re proud to sponsor Best New Business again and support the people starting their own journeys.”
Nichola Howard, organiser of the Wigan Business Awards, added:
“Varty’s is a brilliant example of what can happen when a business really gets involved in the campaign.
Kristen has built relationships, supported local causes, worked with other finalists, and continued developing the Varty’s brand for the future.
Having them return for a third year means a lot to us, and their support of new businesses feels completely right.”
Join the 2026 Campaign
Sponsorship opportunities for the Wigan Business Awards 2026 are selling quickly, and only a limited number remain.
Sponsoring the awards gives your business months of visibility, valuable introductions, and a place within one of Wigan’s strongest business networks.
The relationships built through this campaign can lead to new clients, suppliers, partnerships, and opportunities long after the event ends.
➡️ Download our sponsor pack today and secure one of the remaining sponsorship opportunities before they’re gone.
