Launch North West has achieved Gold status through Wigan Council’s Believe in Business Charter, marking another proud milestone for the family-run branding and events business based in Atherton.
The Believe in Business Charter recognises businesses that are committed to doing business responsibly, supporting the local economy and contributing positively to the borough.
With 742 active members currently signed up to the Believe in Business Charter and only 35 businesses holding Gold status, the recognition places Launch North West among a small group of businesses across the borough that have reached the highest level.
For Launch NW, achieving Gold status is especially meaningful because those values have shaped the business from the beginning.
A Proud Moment for a Local Business
Founded in 2012 by sisters Nichola Howard and Jo Leigh, Launch NW has grown from a family-run events business into a branding, content and events agency, supporting businesses across Wigan, Greater Manchester and the wider North West.
The Launch North West team has also grown, with Oliver Senior recently passing his three-month probation as the company’s new apprentice.
His role is an important part of the business’s future plans, as Launch North West continues to build capacity while staying rooted in its family-run values.
The business works with clients to define who they are, create stronger visibility and amplify their message through branding, websites, content, events and community-led marketing.
However, for Nichola, Jo and the wider team, the way the business grows has always mattered just as much as the work itself.
Nichola Howard, Managing Director of Launch North West, said:
“Achieving Gold through the Believe in Business Charter means a lot to us because it reflects how we have always tried to run Launch.
“We are a small business, but we have always believed in doing things properly, supporting the local economy and building relationships that are based on trust.
“For us, we are loving this recognition because the values we have built the business on are now being acknowledged.”
Supporting Local Businesses and Keeping Spend Local
Through its work on projects such as Wigan Business Awards, Wigan Business Expo and its wider branding and marketing activity, Launch North West continues to champion businesses across the borough.
Creating platforms that help local businesses raise their profile, build confidence and access new opportunities has been part of Launch North West since day one.
In recent years, the business has expanded its services across branding, websites, content and marketing support to become more commercially viable and resilient.
That shift has strengthened the business, giving Launch North West a model that can support clients in more ways and stand up better to future challenges.
That commitment can also be seen in the way Launch North West works with local suppliers, creatives, venues and partners wherever possible.
Nichola added:
“We know how hard it is to run a business, especially as a small business. That is why we care so much about creating opportunities, opening doors and helping people feel part of something.
“Whether we are organising an event, building a brand, writing content or supporting a campaign, we always try to think about the wider impact.
“If we can keep our spending local, bring good people together and help businesses take their next step, then we’re doing good things.”
Recognition for Values-Led Growth
The Gold award follows a period of growth and recognition for Launch North West.
The business won the Marketing Impact Award at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards for its work on the Wigan Business Awards campaign, which has continued to grow into one of the borough’s most visible business platforms.
Launch has also continued to expand its work across branding, websites, content and events, while staying rooted in the same values that shaped the business from the start: community, collaboration, trust and local impact.
Nichola said:
“We are proud of how far Launch has come, but we are just as proud of how we have got here.
“We have built this business in our own way, with our own values, and we have always tried to bring other people with us.
“To receive Gold status through the Believe in Business Charter is a lovely reminder that small businesses can make a real contribution to the places they are part of.”
Looking Ahead
As Launch North West continues to grow, the business remains focused on supporting other businesses to build stronger brands, tell their stories and create meaningful connections.
The Gold award is not just a badge for the website.
It is a reflection of the way Launch North West continues to work, collaborate and contribute to the local business community.
Everyone at Launch North West would like to thank Wigan Council for the recognition and for continuing to champion businesses across the borough.
