The Chamber News
Business Awards 2019
The East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards evening took place on 5th April at De Vere Cranage Estate, Holmes Chapel. Over 200 nominees, chamber members and guests attended what was once again a spectacular evening.
Following a sparkling drinks reception and welcome by the Chamber Chief Executive, David Watson, a three course fine dining dinner was served in Stephenson Suite of the venue.
Dinner was followed by the awards presentation and this year winners not only received a trophy and certificate stating their success, but also a presentation case of wine donated by the major sponsors Prism IT.
As always there were new categories in this year’s awards including The Health and Well Being Award, A Corporate & Social Responsibility Award and an Apprentice of the Year Award.
The first of those new awards, The Health and Wellbeing Award went Acorn Occupational Heath Ltd, and the Corporate and Social Responsibility Award was won by Franklyn Financial Management Ltd. Anthony Ashworth of Franklyn Financial Management also presented the award for the Business Start Up of The Year to D C Assist of Congleton. D C Assist were winners from a shortlist of 3 that also included Think Beyond and Crighton Marketing. The third of the new categories, Apprentice of the Year went to Chloe Tatton who is employed at Franklyn Financial Management Ltd. Julian Cobley, Managing Director of the Skills and Growth Company, presented Chloe with her award
The Excellence in Customer Service Award was won by Furnells Chartered Surveyors and they were presented with their award by David Taylor of Harts Ltd who were sponsors the category.
David Taylor of Harts Ltd was back at the stage later when Harts Ltd won the coveted Professional Services Provider award. Anthony Flynn of Handelsbanken was on hand to present David and his Colleagues with their trophy.
The International Trade Award went to Neon Freight who are a very well-known freight forwarder and who work with a number of East Cheshire Chamber members who export around the world. Andy Pear of Reliance Medical, one of Neon Freights customers, presented the award.
The Technology Award was won by a company at the top of their game in the automotive industry. Alan Controls and Automation were presented with their award by Fiona Hampton of sponsors, Berisfords Ltd.
This year saw a lot of interest in business & Education Engagement from businesses and education establishments. It was pleasing that 2 schools and one college were present on the evening. The Business & Education Award was won by Macclesfield College who engage with over 100 businesses in their work to place apprentices with companies from all sectors. The award was presented by Christine Gaskell who is Chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership.
Last year was the first time that there had been a “Special Achievement Award” and the criteria set for this category was “Surprise the Judges”. Well one nomination did and that was “The Clink”. For those of you who do not know the Clink it is the restaurant that is operated at Styal prison. Peter McNulty of Hammond McNulty accountants presented the award.
The construction Industry Award attracted companies from all areas of the world of building and was won Picea Designs, a specialist design and planning company. Roy Spruce of Picea Design was presented with his trophy and certificate by Johnathan Marshal of Roman lodge Developments.
The penultimate award to be presented was for Business of The Year with under 20 employees. There was a tremendous round of applause when Triad UK were announced the winners. Triad UK have been in business for 35 years and one of only 10 independent companies of their type in their sector. Helen Gowin of sponsors SAS Daniels presented Barbara I’Anson and her team with their trophy.
The last award to be presented was the Business of The Year with over twenty employees and this went to Rossendale Trust. The team from Rossendale, led by Moira Beswick, Chair of Trustees, received the award from Shaun Morton of Prism IT. It was pointed out that The Rossendale Trust employ over 200 people across the area and are listed in the Sunday Times Best Employers list at number 35.
After the awards presentation there was an auction and raffle in aid of Kidneys For Life, The Chambers Charity Of The Year, which raised £3000.00.
Rubys Fund were the beneficiaries as this their second year as East Cheshire Chamber’s Charity.
Celebrations and dancing went on into the small hours.
