Celebrations: Jubilant winners of the South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards 2023
EXCELLENCE across a wide range of sectors was celebrated in style at the 26th South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards.
The awards shone the spotlight on talented newcomers to the business community as well as the major employers and growing firms which contribute to the area’s economic growth.
Winners in 10 different categories stepped into the spotlight before an audience of more than 250 guests, entrepreneurs and civic dignitaries at Reaseheath College.
The newly-launched ‘People’s Choice Award’ showcased local excellence and proved popular, prompting more than 1,000 votes. Winners were Jo Jo’s Day Nursery in Crewe which has provided highly-rated childcare since 2015.
International Trader of the Year was won by Crewe-based Viz Reflectives, which specialises in reflective products, including glow-in-the-dark workwear for Royal Mail workers and firefighters in Australia and Brazil.
Business of the Year (25-plus employees) was picked up by Nantwich company Platinum Construction (North). Proving a true local success story, the firm was founded in 2020 and scooped the Chamber Start Up Business award only last year.
Business of the Year (under 25 employees) was carried off by The Nantwich Clinic in Stapeley where a state-of-the-art health hub provides a full range of wellness services including podiatry, body treatments and nutrition as well as cosmetic enhancements.
Employer of the Year was Nantwich-based Boughey Distribution, founded in 1964 and now with a fleet of 144 vehicles and 320 trailers serving major retailers such as Tesco, Aldi and Sainsbury’s.
Start Up Business of the Year was KR Fleet Solutions in Crewe, a family-run company specialising in vehicle leasing while Apprentice of the Year was Leanne Read of ‘air, sea and road’ logistics firm Neon Freight in Knutsford.
Picking up the Excellence in Customer Service award was Kindertons Accident Management in Crewe, while Excellence in Collaboration, recognising successful partnerships, honoured Safe Opportunities in Crewe which provides employability programmes for young people.
Alpha Omega Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Foundation, an organisation campaigning for the safety of women and girls, won Contribution to the Community after a busy year in which it has opened a base on Crewe Business Park.
Chamber president John Dunning paid tribute to all winners and finalists. He said: “The awards give us the opportunity to showcase the excellent range of businesses and talented array of individuals that we have in South Cheshire.”