WINNERS of Cheshire’s most prestigious business awards have been were unveiled at an awards ceremony held at the University of Chester.
They included a number from the Warrington area, including Stand Out Socks, Bents Garden and Home and the No Brainer agency.
The annual High Sheriff of Cheshire Awards for Enterprise awards evening took place at the University’s Queen’s Park site, the home of the Chester Business School .
The welcome speech was given by Cheshire’s current High Sheriff, Dennis Dunn who talked about the awards which are now in their 17th year in partnership with the University of Chester and how they celebrate innovation, initiative and impact across Cheshire, Halton and Warrington.
Legendary music producer, Pete Waterman delivered the keynote address sharing his business expertise, passion for Cheshire and his commitment to supporting mental health projects in the county.
The winners were:
1. Inclusive Business Practice – to recognise an organisation that can demonstrate through action that they make a difference to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Winner – Stand Out Socks. Runner-up – Storyhouse.
2. Outstanding Community, Education and Business Engagement (sponsored by Encirc) – for the charity or business that has made a significant difference to the community it serves. Winner – The Cat Radio. Runner-up – Frodsham Youth Association.
3. Environmental Innovation and Impact (sponsored by Grosvenor) – for an organisation whose purpose is to deliver a lasting environmental benefit, sustainably, which can demonstrate a measurable impact and that has the potential to be grown at scale. Winner – Let’s Farm. Runner-up – Genesys.
4. Wellness at Work (sponsored by Warrington Borough Council) – to recognise and champion an organisation’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of their workforce. Winner – No Brainer Agency. Runner-up – Bents Garden and Home.
5. Exceptional Start-Up (sponsored by the Holroyd Foundation) – will be awarded to an exceptional business/ organisation that has been operational for less than two years. Winner – KR Fleet Solutions. Runner-up: The Autism Wellbeing Project.
6. Outstanding Family Business (sponsored by EA Technology) – to recognise outstanding entrepreneurial families and / or the achievements of specific family businesses. Winner – Pulse Fitness. Runner-up – Hayrack Church Farm.
7. Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Barlows) – to recognise the development, improvement, contribution, and commitment of the selected apprentice. Winner – William David. Runner-up – Patrick Ithell.
8. Young Business Person of the Year (sponsored by Mornflake) – to recognise a young person under 30 who has shown entrepreneurial spirit and endeavour within their role. Winner – Kate Fox from Nantwich Clinic. Runner-up – Melissa Ellis from HL Financial.
9. Excellence in Enterprise (sponsored by the University of Chester) – for the business or charity that has achieved outstanding commercial growth over the past two years. Winner – Valto. Runner-up – Genesys.
Picture: The winners and runners-up at the High Sheriff of Cheshire Awards for Enterprise.
