MAJOR employers and industry leaders along with previous winners have thrown their weight behind the South Cheshire Chamber's Business Awards.

The showcase for business excellence returns this autumn with a prestigious ceremony at Reaseheath College.

Among those who have stepped into its spotlight over the years is Gareth Williams, a three-times winner who has gone on to achieve great success as managing director of Crewe-based building maintenance and refurbishment company Construction Linx.

Gareth, who won Young Business Person of the Year in 2005 and has notched up two further awards since, is behind the new Excellence in Collaboration category which recognises different sectors working together to deliver solutions – an area which has come to the fore in the pandemic.

The father-of-two, who now employs 12 people, said: "Winning Young Business Person of the Year, as a one-man band at 23 certainly gave me the confidence and motivation to grow my business. It's good now to give back as a sponsor especially in a new category recognising the business community working together."

Nantwich-based homecare provider Right at Home, winners of Start Up Business and Excellence in Customer Service in 2018 and Large Business in 2019, has also joined the ranks of judges and sponsors.

The company, supported by the South Cheshire Development Agency, is backing the Start Up Business of the Year category which will highlight the special endeavours of fledgling businesses during an unprecedented year.

Right at Home owner Ben Selby said: "We are very proud to have won the Chamber awards. We aim to make a genuine difference to the quality of life of those we serve in the community and the awards have helped raise profile and demonstrate our commitment to making a difference."

Other categories and their sponsors are: Business of the Year (under 25 employees), Hibberts LLP, Business of the Year (25 and more employees), Cheshire College South & West, Excellence in Customer Service, KPI Recruiting Ltd, Employer of the Year, Assurant, Contribution to the Community, Bentley supported by Cheshire Connect, Apprentice of the Year, Reaseheath College. Sponsorship of Ambassador of the Year is set to be announced.

The ceremony takes place on November 19.

For those pipped at the post, Highly Commended certificates will also be awarded.

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman said: "Businesses have endured a tough time and we have heard incredible tales of resilience. The awards will offer the South Cheshire business community a chance to celebrate where we are now and look ahead with positivity.

"We would encourage Chamber members and companies trading in the area to celebrate their success by entering. We know there are a lot of success stories out there and we want to hear them."

Event sponsors include accountancy firm Afford Bond, commercial property specialists Legat Owen and health and safety consultants Rhino Safety who are helping with risk assessments to ensure all guests are safe.

Event partners include The Cat radio station comperes, Studio 1 Photography, Code AV, Reaseheath College, Rob Sproston Celebrity Speakers, TR Creative for website and Jan Roberts at Pure PR in Nantwich for publicity.

The Awards are free to enter and returning will be a series of complimentary workshops offering tips on 'how to prepare an award-winning entry.'

For more information on taking part in the event go here.