Chamber salutes Crewe college sponsor as Business Awards deadline looms

By Ryan Parker 25th Aug 2022

South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce has paid tribute to a long-standing sponsor of its annual Business Awards - as the deadline for entries in this year's ceremony rapidly approaches.

Cheshire College - South & West has supported the annual search for entrepreneurial talent for more than 15 years.

This year it's behind one of the most hotly-contested categories, Business of the Year, with 25 or more employees.

Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Colman congratulates Cheshire College Principal Dhesi on his OBE (Jan Roberts).

The landmark college on Dane Bank Avenue, Crewe, has backed various award categories over the years and with the Chamber it helps to nurture fresh talent and inspire young business leaders of the future.

College Principal and CEO Jasbir Dhesi, known as Dhesi, was awarded an OBE for services to education in the Queen's Birthday Honours earlier this summer after giving almost three decades of service to education across North Wales and Cheshire.

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman said: "The Chamber is all about supporting new and existing businesses to generate prosperity for South Cheshire and in turn create new jobs and better lives for local people.

"The UK remains a booming market for young start-ups and South Cheshire is a hot-bed of potential talent. Over the years we have seen many local success stories grow from the seed of an idea and having this close relationship with the College allows us to encourage more.

Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Colman with Cheshire College Principal Dhesi and Deputy Principal Helen Nellist (Jan Roberts).

"Cheshire College is a long-standing Chamber Patron and a great friend to the business awards. We are grateful for the College's support once again this year.

"I never fail to be impressed by its range of facilities and training courses for young people and those looking to learn in later life. Visiting is always a pleasure and on this occasion it was also opportunity to congratulate Dhesi on his well-deserved OBE."

In 2017, Dhesi led the successful merger of South Cheshire College and West Cheshire College, forming what is now known as Cheshire College – South & West which offers opportunities to 11,000 learners and 1,000 apprentices providing access to high quality teaching and learning at their Campuses.

He said: "I am proud that Cheshire College has been a sponsor of South Cheshire Chamber's Business Awards for over 15 years.

Cheshire College - South & West has backed various award categories over the years and with the Chamber it helps to nurture fresh talent and inspire young business leaders of the future (Jan Roberts).

"The awards are a highlight of the annual calendar in which we recognise the achievements of businesses of all sizes and the tremendous people who make them such a success.

"Our access to millions of pounds of skills funding annually, means that through our close working with South Cheshire Chamber we can support local employers with all their skills needs, whether that be nationally recognised qualifications to bespoke training."

The Chamber Business Awards takes place at Reaseheath College on Friday, November 18. Deadline for entries is September 23.

The nine 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