Entries now open for High Sheriff of Cheshire Enterprise 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.

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.

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
• High Sheriff’s Award for Young Person in Business sponsored by Barlows
• High Sheriffs Award for Excellence in Enterprise sponsored by Mornflake

Joëlle Warren MBE DL, High Sheriff of Cheshire 2025/26, said: “Applying for the High Sheriff’s Awards for Enterprise is a great way for charities and businesses to showcase and receive recognition for their achievements.  I’ve heard from past winners that winning one of the awards has not on only served as validation of their commitment to excellence and innovation, but it’s led to opportunities for further innovation and development. I know from over 25 years in business and charity leadership in Cheshire myself, there are lots of great businesses and charities across the county that would be worthy recipients so I hope they’ll apply.”

Kirstie Simpson, Dean of Chester Business School, said: “The High Sheriff’s Awards for Enterprise serve as a highlight in the Cheshire business calendar, bringing us together to acknowledge the remarkable accomplishments of businesses and other organisations within our county. The University takes real pride in supporting the vital work undertaken by Cheshire businesses to bolster the regional economy.”

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/

Caption: Joëlle Warren MBE DL, High Sheriff of Cheshire 202526.