Chamber hails its ‘cream of the crop’ at glittering awards ceremony

November 17, 2025

Business

Enterprise excellence across a wide variety of sectors was celebrated in style at the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce 28th annual Business Awards.

Staged at Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa, the glittering ceremony shone the spotlight on star newcomers to the business community as well as the major employers and growing firms which contribute to the economic growth of the area.

It was also a night to recognise exceptional customer service and pay tribute to those organisations that give back to the community.

Taking top honours as Business of the Year was Crewe Business Park-based Alpha Omega Securities which provides services to protect people and properties. Founded in 1997, the company now employs over 240 people and 600 active contracts nationwide.

Her-Place Charitable Trust, won the Ambassador of the Year award, given to the business or organisation that enhances the area’s reputation for leadership, community engagement and innovation.

The Wistaston-based women and girls charity won by public vote after supporting more than 5000 people this year through various health and wellbeing initiatives including campaigns to end period poverty and create safe spaces for girls.

Bentley Motors was recognised for its support of young talent with Sophie Reynolds winning Apprentice of the Year while Nantwich Town Football Club scored big winning Contribution to the Community (Business) for making a local impact.

At the heart of the Nantwich community since 1884, the club now boasts more than 75 teams including disabled, walking and veterans. Under the banner of Dabbers in the Community, the club lives by the mantra, ‘football is for everyone!’

YMCA Cheshire won Contribution to the Community (Charity). Its historic base on Gresty Road, Crewe is a centre for housing, training and community activities, helping individuals build confidence and independence.

Employer of the Year went to Safe Opportunities in Crewe which helps young people gain essential employability skills and while Excellence in Collaboration went to Middlewich-based Everything Dinosaur, a UK supplier of models, toys, clothing and games.

Health Shield Friendly Society in Crewe, founded in 1877 to support the health of rail workers, won Excellence in Customer Service and Spreadwise Ltd, a slurry manufacturer and supplier based in Worleston, took honours as International Trader of the Year.

Small Business of the Year went to Overwater Marina in Audlem. Founded in 2009 as a farm diversification project, the site has grown to offer luxury glamping and holiday lodges and is home to the Audlem Lass Boat Service, a volunteer run water taxi raising funds for the RNLI.

Start Up Business went to Maintain Independence in Nantwich. The business which provides musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation was founded last September.

The Chamber’s flagship event has attracted generous sponsorship from well-known local companies and organisations.

Award sponsors included Assurant, Bentley Motors, Cheshire Connect, Cheshire College South & West, Cheshire East Council, DJH Accountants & Business Advisers, Hibberts LLP, KPI Recruiting, Nantwich Town Football Club, Reaseheath College and University Centre and South Cheshire Development Agency Limited.

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman congratulated winners saying: “The awards are an opportunity to celebrate inspirational leadership, exceptional vision and brilliant customer service across a wide variety of sectors.

“Indeed, South Cheshire is truly blessed with an abundance of business talent and it has been our pleasure to showcase all that the area has to offer over a phenomenal 28 years.”

The Winners of 2025

Ambassador of the Year: Her Place Charitable Trust

Apprentice of the Year: Sophie Reynolds, Bentley Motors

Business of the Year: Alpha Omega Securities Ltd

Contribution to the Community (Business): Nantwich Town Football Club

Contribution to the Community (Charity): YMCA Cheshire

Employer of the Year: Safe Opportunities

Excellence in Collaboration: Everything Dinosaur

Excellence in Customer Service: Health Shield Friendly Society

International Trader of the Year: Spreadwise Ltd

Small Business of the Year: Overwater Marina

Start-up Business of the Year: Maintain Independence