High Sheriff’s Awards for Enterprise open for entries as landmark 20th year begins

Now in their 20th year in partnership with the University of Chester, the prestigious awards celebrate excellence, innovation and enterprise across the region, recognising organisations and individuals making a significant contribution to economic growth, community development and social impact. 

The awards are delivered through a longstanding partnership between the University of Chester and the High Sheriff of Cheshire, bringing together business and academia to champion the people and organisations helping to make Cheshire, Warrington and Halton outstanding places to live, work and do business. 

This year’s programme includes new categories, reflecting the evolving entrepreneurial landscape and broadening opportunities for recognition. Alongside established awards for Outstanding Family Business, Community Engagement, Outstanding Apprentice and Innovation and Sustainable Development, new awards have been introduced for Outstanding Employer, Outstanding Social Enterprise and Outstanding Young Founder. 

The 2026/27 awards will recognise achievements across eight categories: 

• High Sheriff’s Award for Outstanding Family Business 

• High Sheriff’s Award for Outstanding Community Engagement 

• High Sheriff’s Award for Innovation 

• High Sheriff’s Award for Sustainable Development 

• High Sheriff’s Award for Outstanding Employer 

• High Sheriff’s Award for Outstanding Young Founder 

• High Sheriff’s Award for Outstanding Apprentice 
• High Sheriff’s Award for Outstanding Social Enterprise 

Several categories have also been aligned with the King’s Awards for Enterprise, helping to recognise excellence against nationally recognised standards. 

Awards organisers are encouraging entries from organisations of all sizes and sectors, highlighting the breadth of talent, leadership and innovation that exists across the region. 

The winners will be announced at a special presentation evening on Thursday, March 18 2027 at Churchill House, home of the University of Chester Business School. 

High Sheriff of Cheshire, Lynn Pegler, said: ““The High Sheriff’s Awards for Enterprise celebrate the hard work, innovation and determination that drive success across Cheshire, Warrington and Halton. As the awards enter their 20th year, they continue to recognise the organisations and individuals making a significant contribution to the region’s economy and communities. The introduction of four new categories reflects the breadth of talent and enterprise across the area, while the partnership with the University of Chester highlights the important role of collaboration between business and academia in supporting future growth and opportunity.” 

Dr Kirstie Simpson, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Business and Enterprise at the University of Chester, said: “For 20 years, the High Sheriff’s Awards for Enterprise have recognised the passion, commitment and innovation that drive success across our region. The awards celebrate not only commercial achievement but also the organisations and individuals whose work strengthens communities, creates opportunities and contributes to a thriving local economy. 

“As a University committed to supporting enterprise, innovation and skills development, we are proud to continue our partnership with the High Sheriff of Cheshire and encourage businesses, charities and entrepreneurs of all sizes to share their stories and inspire others through these awards.” 

To find out more and enter, visit: https://www.chester.ac.uk/about/high-sheriffs-awards-for-enterprise/ 

Caption: High Sheriff of Cheshire, Lynn Pegler.