The Chamber News
2026 Annual Business Awards Success!
The East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Awards returned in style on Friday 20th March 2026, held at the elegant De Vere Cranage Estate and delivering another standout evening of celebration. As Chamber Members, Sponsors and Nominees, we gathered to recognise and applaud the exceptional achievements of businesses across the region.
We were warmly welcomed on arrival by Verity Deaville and Waynne Linaker of Deaville & Co, while Adam Schofield from Cheshire Photography Co. captured the evening’s opening moments. A Champagne Reception, kindly provided by De Vere Cranage Estate, set a sophisticated and celebratory tone.
Chief Executive Jackie Randles opened proceedings, extending her thanks to the event’s sponsors for their continued support. The evening was expertly compered by Tim McCloud of TMC Strategic Communications, Rebecca Medcalf from Talbots Law, and Jackie Randles, who together ensured a polished and engaging programme throughout.
Following a three-course dinner, the much-anticipated Awards Ceremony got underway. Winners were presented with a glass trophy, certificate, and a pack of Peak Wildlife Beartown Beers, from Beartown Brewery.
The first accolade of the evening, Charity of the Year, was presented by Julie Woolmer of Franklyn to Danny Daynes and Adrian Steinkamp of North West Air Ambulance, named the Chamber’s Charity of the Year for 2026/27.
The Young Person of the Year Award proved one of the evening’s most inspiring highlights. Judge, Jessica Peake of TMC Strategic Communications addressed us before revealing the winner:
‘Over the course of seven days, I had the genuine pleasure of meeting eight exceptional young people from across Cheshire East who, without doubt, have left a lasting impression and reshaped how I view our next generation.
Without exception, every nominee was confident, compelling, caring, consistent, and utterly inspiring. From what I have seen, our business community should be very optimistic about the future, because it is clearly in very capable hands. Each of these nominees has set an outstanding benchmark for what young talent looks like today.’
Following a closely contested process, the award was presented to Wendy Elwood of Rossendale Trust.
The Excellence in Customer Service Award, a category that consistently attracts strong entries, was awarded to the team at Sienna’s, presented by Paul Woolliscroft of Talbots Law.
The International Trade Award, returning by popular demand, recognised outstanding global business success. Presented by Jake Pear of Pear Hospitality, the award went to water treatment specialist’s H2O Innovation.
The Contribution to the Community Award, now in its second year, again saw a high calibre of entries. Petty Pool Trust were named winners, with Kerry Shea of Everybody Health & Leisure presenting the award.
The Training & Development Award was awarded to DPC Accountants, recognised for placing people at the heart of their business. The award was presented by Steve Burns of Ironmarket Risk.
In the Leisure & Hospitality category, The Lion & Swan in Congleton took top honours, with Danielle Sullivan from Hammond McNulty presenting the award to Jake Pear and the team.
Heamar Limited were award The Employer of the Year Award which was presented by Chris Bentley of Harts Limited. The Professional Services Award followed, presented by Richard Morrell of De Vere Cranage Estate to Harts Accountants.
The Small Business of the Year Award, which saw a record number of entries, was presented by Christine McClenaghan of Thorneycroft Solicitors to Lauren Burnham and Emily Kirkham of Prickly Peach Films.
The evening’s top accolade, Business of the Year, was presented by John Stewart of Senior Aerospace Bird Bellows to Franklyn, following what judges described as a particularly difficult decision.
‘Their remarkable success is built on a foundation of outstanding customer service, achieved through investment in their amazing team of people, continuously enhanced by innovative initiatives, including a comprehensive streamlining program.’
Before the evening moved on to its fundraising activities, the Chamber board surprised Jackie Randles with a presentation of flowers and a commemorative vase in recognition of her ongoing dedication. Tim McCloud said: ‘Jackie’s leadership, resilience, and commitment have made a lasting impact on so many businesses and individuals. She has been, and continues to be, a true inspiration.’
The event concluded with an auction and raffle in aid of East Cheshire Hospice, raising an impressive £7,250 on the night and bringing the total for 2025/26 to £9,148.50.
The fundraising effort was supported by generous contributions from a range of organisations, including Astra Zeneca, Andrew Collier Photography, Agri-Ad, The Manor House Hotel & Spa, De Vere Cranage Estate, Goostrey Graveyards, Franklyn, and Pear Hospitality, alongside numerous raffle prize donors.
Celebrations continued into the early hours, bringing to a close a memorable evening dedicated to recognising business excellence across the region.