IN THESE difficult times it is important to celebrate the achievements and the perseverance of Cheshire’s businesses – which is why our Cheshire Business Awards are proving so popular.

Tables are filling up fast for the awards presentation evening at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Chester on September 19, so if you want to be a part of this glittering event, now is the time to book.

The host for this year’s event is news presenter and TV personality Lucy Meacock.

Chester-born Lucy is a firm supporter of the county’s businesses and has hosted our awards since they started five years ago.

“It has never been more important to celebrate the hard work going on in Cheshire businesses. It’s tough out there at the moment and by all accounts it’s going to get worse before it gets better. But in Cheshire we are much better placed than most to lead the recovery,” she says.

“This is the time for our business leaders to hold their nerve and show us what they’re made of. They’re going to need the courage to make some difficult decisions.

“We want their investment in our region, we want the jobs they bring. Businesses in Cheshire also do an enormous amount for local charities – we need that too. In return, as residents of Cheshire, I believe the least we can do is to use their products and services where we can and to show them we care about the future of our county. We owe them that much.

“And the Cheshire Business Awards are a great way for us to show some support for those people who keep our business community afloat. This is a chance to give them a massive pat on the back. We depend so heavily on our entrepreneurs and our business leaders – and these awards are the perfect opportunity to reward their efforts.

“I love the Cheshire Business Awards – there’s always great excitement beforehand about who’s going to win. There’s a friendly rivalry between some of our biggest employers – and it’s good to see them all getting together for a really good night out. They deserve it.

“There are also many other organisations who come along on the night who offer a whole variety of services to support local companies. It’s a perfect night for networking and making useful new contacts on your doorstep. This is the time to get together and show everyone that Cheshire means business!”

The Cheshire Business Awards gala dinner has become a much-anticipated annual event for firms across the county.

The nine winners of our business titles will be announced at the black- tie event which also provides the ideal opportunity for networking with some of the county’s biggest commercial players.

To book tickets, which cost £65 each, for the event call the events team on 0151 472 2570. For further information, visit www.cheshirebusinessawards.co.uk.