A search for the area's business stars is underway with big name backing.
The official entry process has opened for the South Cheshire Chamber business awards with several of the area's top name businesses, such as Bentley Motors in Crewe, returning as sponsors.
And this year's ceremony will be a special one for the Chamber after working hard to recognise the creme de la creme of the area's business community for 25 years.
There are awards celebrating the enterprise and achievement of businesses of all sizes including a Start-Up category for new comers sponsored by Sandbach-based health and safety consultants Rhino Safety and supported by South Cheshire Development Agency Ltd.
Young entrepreneurial talent will be highlighted as well as the good work of companies and individuals in the Contribution to the Community category, sponsored by Bentley with support from Cheshire Connect.
Already excitement is mounting over who will step into the spotlight to pick up a gong during the Oscar's style ceremony at Reaseheath College on Friday, November 18.
The nine award categories and their sponsors are:
Ambassador of the Year - Cheshire East Council
Apprentice of the Year - Reaseheath College
Business of the Year (25 plus Employees) - Cheshire College South & West
Business of the Year (under 25 employees) - Hibberts Solicitors
Contribution to the Community - Bentley supported by Cheshire Connect
Employer of the Year - Assurant
Excellence in Collaboration - Construction Linx
Excellence in Customer Service - KPI Recruiting Ltd
Start-up Business of the Year - Rhino Safety supported by South Cheshire Development Agency Ltd
The Chamber works to represent the interests of the business community at local and national level as leading members of the British Chambers of Commerce.
Bentley Motors, a Chamber member for more than 18 years and long-standing Patron, has supported the wards for most of that time.
Sally Hepton, Director of Government Relations and CSR, said: “Bentley is proud to be a long standing Patron of the Chamber and award sponsor. We believe it is important to acknowledge the tremendous efforts undertaken by business, charities and social enterprises to make our home a better place to live and work.
“Congratulations to the Chamber for the last 25 years of award recognition and best of luck to this year’s applicants.”
Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman said: “The pandemic, and now the cost of living crisis and interest rises, are taking their toll nationally but we are continually bowled over by the resilience and positive ‘can-do’ attitude of our local business community.
“This 25th anniversary ceremony will be a celebration of their growth and strength over the years and it is all made possible thanks to our generous sponsors. In this tough economic climate we greatly appreciate everything they do to support the Business Awards year after year.
“We look forward to receiving entries and generating more positivity about local businesses and individuals over the coming months.”
For more on the Business Awards and how to enter go to sccci.co.uk/business-awards/2022-awards
Follow updates on social media #SCCBA2022.