Cheshire businesses urged to enter prestigious awards

Launched by Joëlle Warren MBE DL, High Sheriff of Cheshire 2025/26, the awards are now in their 19th year in partnership with the University of Chester to celebrate innovation, initiative and impact across Cheshire, Halton and Warrington.

The awards are open to businesses and charities of any size that are based in Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East, Halton and Warrington. Entries close on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. For full terms and conditions to enter please visit: https://www.chester.ac.uk/about/high-sheriffs-awards-for-enterprise/

The seven categories which will be judged by a panel of senior members of the business community are:

• High Sheriff’s Award for Innovation sponsored by EA Technology
• High Sheriff’s Award for Sustainable Development sponsored by Grosvenor
• High Sheriff’s Award for Promoting Social Mobility sponsored by University of Chester
• High Sheriff’s Award for Outstanding Community Engagement sponsored by Cheshire Community Foundation
• High Sheriff’s Award for Outstanding Family Business sponsored by EMR
• High Sheriff’s Award for Young Person in Business sponsored by Barlows
• High Sheriffs Award for Excellence in Enterprise sponsored by Mornflake

The winners of the region’s premier enterprise awards will be announced at a special ceremony on Thursday, March 19 with guest speaker Paul McGee, the SUMO guy, at Churchill House, the home of the award-winning University of Chester Business School.

Joëlle Warren MBE DL, High Sheriff of Cheshire 2025/26, said: "The High Sheriff’s Awards for Enterprise offer charities and businesses a powerful platform to showcase their achievements and gain well-deserved recognition. Past winners have shared how receiving an award not only validated their commitment to excellence and innovation, but also opened doors to new opportunities for growth and development. With over 25 years of experience in business and charity leadership here in Cheshire, I know there are many outstanding organisations across the county that would make worthy recipients. I strongly encourage them to apply and share their success with the wider community.”

Kirstie Simpson, Dean of Chester Business School, said: "The High Sheriff’s Awards for Enterprise stand as a highlight of the business calendar, uniting us in celebration of the outstanding achievements of businesses and organisations across our county. At the University, we are proud to champion the vital contributions Cheshire businesses make in strengthening our regional economy.

“We warmly encourage all eligible organisations to enter this year’s Awards and showcase the innovation, resilience and excellence that drive our sub-region forward.”

Caption: Joëlle Warren MBE DL, High Sheriff of Cheshire 2025/26.