A salute to successful businesses

Sep 19 2008 by Eric Langton, Chester Chronicle

IT HAS been the mantra of all political parties in the UK for years that the country’s performance in the world economy depends on education and innovation.

The current financial uncertainty which has hit many businesses and individuals hard is a great test of the strength and resilience of communities to cope with tough times.

As one of the judges in the Chronicle Newspapers’ Business Awards this year I can report that Cheshire has a well-educated workforce and entrepreneurial skills in abundance.

Once again the category which produced the largest number of entries was from start-up businesses from individuals and small groups of people with vision and ambition to create job opportunities and add to the wealth of the county.

Although some will fall by the wayside in these tough times it was clear that many of the new-born businesses have already found their feet, making profit, and have a healthy future.

It was also encouraging to see that some of the small and medium businesses recording excellent business performance and creating jobs have previously entered the start-up section of our awards.

The awards have confirmed Cheshire’s boast of fantastic knowledge-based companies, quality manufacturers and businesses revolutionising the service industry.

Just as pleasing as the quality of new business ideas was the evidence that company directors and managers are putting even greater emphasis on developing their staff and creating happier and more positive working conditions.

And even in difficult economic times Cheshire businesses are demonstrating more community involvement than ever before involving staff in charity days and, for example, offering work experience to the most disadvantaged job seekers.

Tonight’s Cheshire business awards at the Crowne Plaza in Chester gives us an opportunity to salute successful businesses large and small and to look forward with confidence to even better times.

Eric Langton, Editor-in-Chief, Trinity Mirror Cheshire