The Chamber News
East Cheshire Chamber 2025 Annual Business Awards Success!
The prestigious East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Awards took place on Friday 28th March 2025, at the stunning De Vere Cranage Estate, which marked yet another resounding success. The Chamber was delighted to welcome Sarah Russell MP, Chamber Members, Sponsors, and Nominees to celebrate the outstanding achievements of local businesses.
Verity Deaville and Waynne Linaker from Deaville & Co extended a warm and gracious welcome to guests as they arrived, while Adam Schofield of Cheshire Photography Co. captured wonderful arrival moments. Setting the perfect tone for the evening, guests were treated to a Champagne Reception, courtesy of De Vere Cranage Estate.
Jackie Randles, Chief Executive of the East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, formally welcomed Sarah Russell MP and all attendees, offering a heartfelt acknowledgment to the event’s generous sponsors. Hosting the evening’s proceedings were Tim McCloud from TMC Strategic Communications, Rebecca Medcalf from Tinsdills Solicitors, and Jackie Randles, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience.
During the dinner, guests were captivated by the exceptional talent of professional artist Dean Douglas, who created a vibrant masterpiece of a lion painting live on stage. This stunning artwork was later auctioned to raise funds for the 2024/25 Charity of the Year, Bridging the Gap – Mind Matters.
Following a sumptuous three-course meal, the highly anticipated Awards Ceremony commenced. Winners were honoured with a glass trophy, a certificate, and a 4-pack of Beartown Beer, provided by Joe Manning from Beartown Brewery. Once again, Key Supporters Prism extended a special invitation to all award recipients for an exclusive winners’ lunch, set to take place in early summer.
The first award of the evening, Charity of the Year, was presented by Rebecca Gwynn from Tinsdills Solicitors to Luke Oldham and Laura Tomlinson from East Cheshire Hospice, the Chamber’s new Charity of the Year for 2025/26.
A new addition to this year’s awards, the Best Marketing Campaign category, saw strong competition, with D2NA emerging as the worthy winner. Jess Peake from TMC Strategic Communications proudly presented this award.
The Employee of the Year Award was presented by Sarah Bailey, Chief Executive at West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of Business Doctors to Tor Dixon from IronMarket.
De Vere Cranage Estate was a well-deserved winner of the Employer of the Year Award, which was presented by John Stewart of Senior Aerospace Bird Bellows. The Professional Services Award, presented by last year’s winners, Franklyn, was awarded to HR Download, with Charlotte Chatterton delivering the honour.
One of the most inspiring awards of the evening, the Young Person of the Year Award, celebrated rising talent. Richard Morrell from De Vere Cranage Estate, on behalf of Reliance Medical, proudly presented the award to Dylan Kelsall from Caudwell Children. The judges praised Dylan, noting, “This winner is a truly exceptional individual who demonstrates an unwavering determination to excel in both their professional and personal life. Their ‘go hard or go home’ attitude is inspiring and makes a real difference in the world around them.”
A category that consistently draws a high number of entries, the Excellence in Customer Service Award, was presented to the IronMarket team. Adrian Swindells from Ruby’s presented this prestigious award on behalf of Pear Hospitality.
Macclesfield College were thrilled to receive the Training & Development Award, recognising their dedication to employee growth and learning. Andrew Whiteley from Harts Ltd was delighted to present this well-deserved recognition.
Another new category introduced this year, the Contribution to the Community Award, recognised businesses and individuals making a meaningful difference in their local areas. Richmond Villages were the standout winner, with Peter McNulty from Hammond McNulty LLP proudly presenting the award.
The Small Business of the Year Award, which saw a record number of entries, was ultimately awarded to p3od. Wes Wilkes from IronMarket had the pleasure of presenting this recognition.
The final and most anticipated award of the evening, Business of the Year, was presented by Ben Higginbotham from Prism to the outstanding team at Everybody Health & Leisure. This category, known for its high number of exceptional entrants, made for an incredibly tough decision for the judges.
The evening concluded with a thrilling auction and raffle in support of Bridging the Gap – Mind Matters. The overwhelming generosity of attendees resulted in a phenomenal £6,425 raised on the night, bringing the total funds raised for 2024/25 to an impressive £7,860.
With spirits high, celebrations and dancing continued well into the early hours, rounding off a truly spectacular evening of recognition, networking, and celebration.
