Nantwich firms including Churche’s Mansion, Right at Home and Living Pure Natural were among the honours at the 23rd South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
Staged at Crewe Hall, the ceremony shone the spotlight on talented newcomers as well as major employers and growing firms which contribute to the local economy.
Business stars in 10 categories stepped into the limelight before an audience of more than 200 VIPs, entrepreneurs and civic dignitaries during an Oscar’s style ceremony hosted by The Cat Community Radio.
And among the winners were the Churche’s Mansion restaurant on Hospital Street, named as Best Start Up Business.
Right at Home, with an office in Nantwich town centre, was awarded Business of the Year 25 and over employees.
And Living Pure Natural was awarded the International Trader of the Year prize.
Megan Jones, a coach at Crewe and Nantwich Gymnastics Centre, was named Young Leader of the Future, a category sponsored by KPI Recruiting Crewe.
The 20 year-old was also honoured last year when she won Apprentice of the Year after introducing new classes and marketing initiatives at the Camm Street charity.
Picking up this year’s Apprentice of the Year award, sponsored by Reaseheath College, was Rhianna Gayle, 20, of Jo Jo’s Day Nursery Crewe.
Voted Employee of the Year by parents, she splits care of children with studying for an Early Years Foundation Degree.
And for the first time there was a Special Recognition award for Holly Brough, 18, of Everybody Sport and Recreation for championing fitness and mental health.
Building maintenance firm Construction Linx, based at Crewe Hall Enterprise Park, was recognised for its Excellence in Customer Service, a category sponsored by 1825 Financial Planning.
It was a hat-trick for MD Gareth Williams who was a previous Young Business Person of the Year and winner of Best Business (under 25 employees).
Family-owned Swansway Motor Group, Crewe scooped Contribution to the Community, sponsored by Bentley Motors and supported by Cheshire Connect, for its commitment to local causes including the YMCA, Wishing Well and Weston Lights display for Donna Louise hospice.
Employer of the Year, sponsored by Assurant, was Everybody Sport and Recreation, a major employer with 15 facilities across Cheshire East.
Business of the Year (under 25 employees) sponsored by Hibberts solicitors, was awarded to Alan Boyd Consultants of Crewe which develops cell and gene therapies to treat rare diseases and works with pharmaceutical companies to pioneer new medicines.
Church Minshull Marina won Ambassador of the Year, sponsored by Cheshire East, for helping to put the area on the map with its 150 berth narrowboat facility, caravan site and café.
Chamber Chair Diane Wright praised the resilience, innovation and ‘sheer hard work’ of the South Cheshire business community.
“It’s successful businesses that create a vibrant local economy,” she said.
“They make this a great place to live, work and have fun and build better lives for our community.”
Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman paid tribute to the evening’s 35 finalists.
“South Cheshire has firms of all sizes, operating in a wide range of industries, all forward-thinking, energised and
delivering excellence locally, nationally and often internationally.
“Winners or not, we salute you,” he said.
For information on joining the Chamber and future events visit www.sccci.co.uk
