THE High Sheriff of Cheshire, Combermere Abbey’s Sarah Callander Beckett, has launched the 2017 annual awards for enterprise.

The awards will offer private sector Cheshire businesses the opportunity to demonstrate their outstanding achievements, as well as the chance to win prestigious prizes ranging from £3,000 worth of prize money to a place on the University of Chester’s MBA, worth £10,000.

Now in its 12th year, the awards are managed in partnership with the University of Chester and there are nine different categories, including innovation; entrepreneurship; apprenticeships; export; business leadership and new this year, a micro business award.

“There are some truly outstanding businesses in the county and these awards are a fantastic way for those businesses to gain well-deserved recognition from their peers,” said the High Sheriff.

“We are lucky to work with some incredible sponsors and the prizes on offer are really superb. They act as the perfect platform for businesses to broaden their reach and are not complicated to enter.

“I would urge companies and businesses of all sizes to enter, and this year the new micro award opens it up to an even wider group of businesses.”

The shortlisted companies are to be highlighted at a gala dinner and award ceremony on Thursday March 22, 2018, at Chester Racecourse.

Tracy Griffiths, host and director of Business Network Chester added her support for the awards, encouraging members to consider applying.

She said: “What binds them together is our philosophy of ambition, success through hard work, and a commitment to grow.

“Many of our members are perfectly poised to benefit from the generous and exciting opportunity the HS Awards afford them.”

n To nominate your business or employee for the High Sheriff’s Awards for Enterprise 2017/18, please complete the online entry form and submit it along with a supporting statement on why you are entering the award(s).

Deadline for entry is October 17.