THANKS to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the High Sheriff of Cheshire Awards for Enterprise will be be announced online.

For the first time in its 14 year history, this year's awards will be announced online on Monday, April 6 at 12noon at the University of Chester.

The finalists are looking forward to seeing the results come in and ahead of announcing the winners of each category, videos from the shortlisted finalists will be posted on chester.ac.uk/highsheriff-enterprise on Friday, April 3.

The organisers say that while it has been disappointing to cancel this year's Awards ceremony, scheduled to be held at Chester Racecourse at the end of March, they are delighted to share good news with the finalists and thank them all for taking part this year.

Mark Mitchell DL, High Sheriff of Cheshire, wished all the businesses involved good luck.

"I've greatly enjoyed getting to know businesses through the judging process this year and thank my fellow judges who all give their time voluntarily to the awards," said Mr Mitchell.

"Thanks, too, to our sponsors, who make these awards possible.

"We are disappointed not to share the celebrations in person this year and hope that the finalists will consider entering the awards again next year.

"Good luck to them all."

Professor Eunice Simmons, vice chancellor of the University of Chester, added: "It is our pleasure to support these awards and we hope we can forge long lasting relationships with local businesses, which will strengthen our connections and keep knowledge and talent in our region.

"Our students enjoy really good access to quality speakers, professional guidance and opportunities for work experience and I hope we can work with lots of the finalists in these Awards, the cream of business in the area, in the future."