The High Sheriff of Cheshire is calling on businesses and individuals across the county to enter the region’s premier awards for enterprise.
Jeannie France-Hayhurst, has launched the High Sheriff of Cheshire Awards for Enterprise 2022/2023, now in their 16th year, in partnership with the University of Chester to celebrate innovation, initiative and impact across Cheshire, Halton and Warrington.
The winners of these prestigious awards will be celebrated at a ceremony in March 2023 at Churchill House, the home of the University of Chester Business School.
Jeannie said: “I recognise that the past two years have been particularly challenging for businesses but travelling around the county since my appointment as High Sheriff, I have been overwhelmed by the hard work that is put in to so many vibrant enterprises.
“I look forward to hearing more about the individuals and the teams who are behind the region’s success stories and celebrating their innovation and endeavour.”
The Survive and Thrive award, which was inaugurated last year, celebrates the efforts of charities in the region.
Jeannie added: “The challenges of the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis have highlighted how important charities are to help those people in need of support.
“The voluntary sector is vital in providing services to residents in the region and I look forward to celebrating the excellent work done in the third sector.
“I urge you all to enter at least one category and to let us help you celebrate what you are so good at doing.”
Master of Ceremonies at the awards event next spring will be Chairman of Boodles Nicholas Wainwright MBE, DL. Internationally recognised as a leading jewellery retailer his family business is rooted firmly in the North West but has a sparkling global reach.
The awards aim to highlight outstanding achievement by local companies, with fewer than 250 employees, across 10 different categories. The Outstanding Business Leader Award is open to individuals from businesses of any size.
The 10 categories are: Apprentice of the Year; Best Sustainable Business Practice; Digital Innovation; Excellence in Enterprise; Exceptional Start-Up; Outstanding Community Engagement; Outstanding Family Business; Survive and Thrive (charities); Young Business Person and Outstanding Business Leader.
Sponsors of the award include the University of Chester, Encirc, EA Technology, Mornflake, Barlows and Warrington Borough Council.
Jeannie added: “I would like to thank all of the companies and organisations who have sponsored the awards this year, without whom the celebrations would not be possible. We are indebted to your commitment to support success in Cheshire.”
Kirstie Simpson, Associate Professor and Deputy Dean of Chester Business School, added: “The High Sheriff’s Awards for Enterprise are well established within our region and culminate in an important date in the business year.
“The University works to support and encourage a shared sense of endeavour and purpose; it is a privilege to work in partnership to present the Awards and recognise the stand-out organisations that make up our innovative and productive region.”
To find out more about the awards and details of how to enter visit https://www1.chester.ac.uk/high-sheriffs-awards-enterprise