Active Cheshire has been named Best Employer in the 2015 Awards Intelligence Best of the Best Business Awards.

The awards honour the outstanding achievements of businesses and entrepreneurs across the United Kingdom.

A panel of independent expert judges select winners according to strict criteria for each category.

A report from the chairman of judges said: “We were impressed to see how much Active Cheshire invests in its people and how much it values and understands the need to have a happy and motivated, high performance workforce. Some of the many benefits it offers its people include; free fresh fruit, flexible working that encourages a healthy work/life balance and financial support towards becoming more active and developing new skills. A recent staff survey revealed that 90% of employees felt motivated and empowered. A brilliant result that shows Active Cheshire is in great shape for the future.”

Chair of Active Cheshire board Mark Greaves said: “People are our greatest asset at Active Cheshire. We are so proud and grateful to have our endeavours to support and grow them recognised externally. I am really honoured to lead such a great group of people.”

Chief executive of Active Cheshire Anne Boyd said: “Our joint staff and trustee team are thrilled to receive such an accolade. It reflects the efforts we have made to invest in the health, wellbeing and professional growth of our people.”

Active Cheshire is a strategic commissioner of sport and physical activity in Cheshire and Warrington. The social enterprise has been established for more than 26 years with them aim to get 50,000 more people, more active, more often by 2017.