Countdown to South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards 2026 as finalists are named

Finalists have been named in the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2026 as excitement mounts ahead of the big night in November.

The prestigious ceremony, now in its 29th year, always creates a buzz across South Cheshire as businesses of all sizes wait to hear who will be crowned this year’s champions.

Entries have been whittled down across all categories and now judging is underway as the Chamber prepares to unveil its business stars on Friday, November 13 at Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa.

This year has seen an encouraging increase in the number of start-up businesses entering the awards highlighting what a hot-bed of entrepreneurial talent South Cheshire remains despite a tough economic climate.

The finalists are:

Ambassador of the Year: Bentley Motors, Crewe Nub News, Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Lyceum Theatre, Nantwich Food Festival and Radius.

Apprentice of the Year: Isabella Yates (The Crown Group) and Cody Brown, (St Pauls Centre).

Higher/Degree Apprentice of the Year: Gergo Erdelyi-Bonto (Baywater Healthcare), Charlie Goodman (Bentley Motors) and Mark Deaville (YMCA Cheshire Ltd).

Business of the Year: Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa, Health Shield and Everybody Health & Leisure.

Small Business of the Year: Daniel Matthias Architecture Ltd, Driver Hire Crewe and Spreadwise Ltd.

Contribution to the Community (Charity): Supported Community Business (SBC), St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice and The Wishing Well.

Contribution to the Community (Business): Lyceum Theatre and Total People.

Employer of the Year: Bowcock Cuerden, Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa and YMCA Cheshire Ltd.

Excellence in Collaboration: Alpha Omega Women Peace and Security (WPS) Foundation, Cheshire College South & West and Lyceum Theatre Crewe.

Excellence in Customer Service: Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa, Ibis Styles Crewe and Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa.

International Trader of the Year: Spreadwise Ltd and Thermmark Ltd.

Start-Up Business of the Year: Balloon Marketing Limited, Summit HR and The Komet Canal Boat Company Limited.

Finalists are featured in a souvenir brochure and those pipped at the post will receive Highly Commended certificates.

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman said: “Every year the calibre of entries is extremely high and this year has been no exception. We have a fantastic range of finalists all hoping to be called to the winner’s podium.  Win or lose, they can all be proud of the contribution they make.

“We are looking forward to another memorable night at Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa.”

The flagship event has attracted generous sponsorship from high profile South Cheshire companies and organisations.

These include Assurant, Bentley Motors and supported by Cheshire Connect, Cheshire College South & West, DJH Accountants & Business Advisers, Hibberts LLP Solicitors, KPI Recruiting, Nantwich Town Football Club, Reaseheath College & University Centre and TownSq Crewe.

For more information and tickets go to sccci.co.uk/business-awards