South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards 2026 open for entries

It’s all systems go for the South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards 2026, with the entry process now officially open.

Run annually by South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, the awards shine a spotlight on the achievements of businesses of all sizes, from ambitious start-ups to long-established firms that continue to drive economic growth.

This year the entry process launched in May  – three months earlier than usual – giving more businesses and organisations the opportunity to take stock, reflect on their successes and share in the run up to the awards night at Crewe Hall & Spa on November 13.

Many big names are behind the awards as sponsors, including several which have shown their support year after year and return to back categories again in 2026.

These include Assurant (Employer of the Year), Bentley Motors (Contribution to the Community) supported by Cheshire Connect, Cheshire College South & West (Business of the Year), Hibberts Solicitors (Small Business of the Year), KPI Recruiting (Excellence in Customer Service) and Reaseheath College & University Centre (Apprentice of the Year).

Other categories and their sponsors are Ambassador of the Year, Nantwich Town Football Club, International Trader of the Year, DJH Accountants & Business Advisers and and Start-Up Business Of The Year, TownSq Crewe.

One category remains available for sponsorship – Excellence in Collaboration.

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman said: “We are incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors whose continued support allows us to deliver an event of this scale and quality.

“Their backing not only helps celebrate business success but also creates meaningful opportunities for companies to raise their profile, connect with new audiences and demonstrate their commitment to the local economy.

“It is a testament to the strength of the awards that so many of our sponsors return year after year, continuing to champion and invest in the success of the South Cheshire business community.”

The awards, now in their 29th year, are widely regarded as the finest in the region, setting the benchmark for excellence, innovation and a ‘can do’ attitude that sets the local business community apart.

Always inspiring, the awards bring fascinating ‘back stories’ to the fore as well as tales of resilience, bold ideas and strong leadership.

Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal & Deputy CEO of Cheshire College South & West, said:

“We are proud to continue our long-standing support of the awards, which consistently celebrate the innovation, resilience and ambition that define our local business community.

“As a college, we recognise the vital role that strong partnerships between education and industry play in developing future talent and supporting regional growth. Our involvement in these awards reflects our ongoing commitment to nurturing skills, celebrating achievement, and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals.

“The awards also highlight the importance of developing a highly skilled workforce, showcasing the expertise and talent that drive business success across the region. By championing skills development and recognising excellence, we help to inspire continuous learning and ensure South Cheshire is equipped with the talent needed for future growth.”

Categories and their sponsors are:

• Ambassador of the Year: Nantwich Town Football Club
• Apprentice of the Year: Reaseheath College & University Centre
• Business of the Year: Cheshire College South & West
• Contribution to the Community: sponsored by Bentley Motors and supported by Cheshire Connect
• Employer of the Year: Assurant
• Excellence in Collaboration: Open to category sponsorship
• Excellence in Customer Service: KPI Recruiting
• International Trader of the Year: DJH Accountants & Business Advisers
• Small Business of the Year: Hibberts Solicitors
• Start-Up Business of the Year: TownSq Crewe

Now is the time to get in the running. Entries close on September 4.

For more information on entering the awards and sponsorship opportunities go to https://sccci.co.uk/business-awards/

The winners of 2025

Cheshire College South & West – Business of the Year sponsors