SOUTH Cheshire Chamber of Commerce has paid tribute to its category sponsors in this year's Business Awards as the deadline for entries fast approaches.

The Chamber will honour the crème de la crème of local business at a ceremony staged at Reaseheath College on November 19 backed by an array of high-profile sponsors, some new and others who have supported the search for entrepreneurial talent for many years.

With the entry deadline set for noon on September 24, the Chamber is encouraging member businesses to get in the running and be part of its flagship event offering prestige and publicity to winners and finalists.

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman said: "The clock is ticking and we urge local businesses to be part of this joyous celebration recognising not only excellence in business, but resilience, spirit and kindness to others.

"After the trials and tribulations of living through a pandemic, we want to give special recognition to those who have supported the local business community and their workforces and of course our sponsors who have shown whole-hearted support for the evening.

"This will indeed be a very memorable ceremony and one not to be missed either as an entrant or guest on the night."

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 (under 25 employees), Hibberts LLP,

Business of the Year (25 and more employees), Cheshire College South & West,

Contribution to the Community, Bentley supported by Cheshire Connect,

Employer of the Year, Assurant,

Excellence in Customer Service, KPI Recruiting Ltd,

Excellence in Collaboration, Construction Linx,

Start Up Business of the Year, Right at Home supported by South Cheshire Development Agency

Assurant, Bentley, Cheshire East Council, Cheshire College South & West, Hibberts, KPI Recruiting Ltd and Reaseheath College have all been previous sponsors with considerable experience in judging and identifying winning entries.

New sponsors Right at Home and Construction Linx have been winners in their own right and bring their own insight into what it takes to be a winner and the excitement of their names being called out on the night.

Paul added: "The categories are wide and ranging from the Apprentice of the Year showing outstanding progress to the South Cheshire Ambassador business demonstrating expertise and leadership in its field on a regional, national and/or international basis.

"We will look to recognise large and small businesses, including start-ups and those dedicated to excellence in customer service. We will honour those that make a positive difference to their local community and employers dedicated to the development of their workforces.

"Our new Collaboration award will celebrate how organisations have worked together to deliver real solutions and services. All in all there is something for everyone and we can't thank our sponsors enough for helping to make this night happen."

The Awards are combined with the Chamber's Annual Dinner and feature Falklands hero Simon Weston CBE as sought-after guest speaker. Capacity is 260 and tickets are selling well.

For more on conditions of entry and details of a workshop at Crewe Market Hall on September 14 where hopefuls can pick up tips on creating an award-winning entry visit the Awards website.