Book your table at awards ceremony

THE deadline may have passed for the North East Cheshire Business Awards but now is the time to book tickets for the gala presentation.

Entry into the competition, which celebrates the best of business in Macclesfield and the surrounding area, has closed and judges are sifting through entries.

The panel will come up with a shortlist in each category ahead of the big awards night next month at The Mere.

While you may not have submitted an entry, there is plenty of time to get yourself a place at the glitzy black and white gala dinner and mingle with business people from all sectors.

The guest speaker for the night has been announced as James Timpson, chief executive at Timpson which runs more than 1,400 shops with shoe repair, key cutting and photo developing services.

James has been named the Prince’s Responsible Business Ambassador in the North West, which is run by the charity Business in the Community (BITC).

Sutton charity The Rossendale Trust will benefit from donations taken at the awards ceremony.

Sue Bowden, manager at the Macclesfield Chamber of Commerce which organises the event, said: “Entries have now closed and we’re getting the judging in place.

“The judges have a very difficult task of whittling down the entries and picking the winners.

“Now we urge people to get their tickets for the awards ceremony.

“So even if you haven’t entered, please come along and celebrate with the winners on what promises to be a fantastic night.”

The awards offer a chance for businesses of all types in Macclesfield and the area to be recognised for making a contribution to the business community.

The categories are Business of the Year with Turnover over £5 million; Business of the Year with Turnover £1 million to £5 million; Small Business of the Year; Innovation and Design; Excellence in Customer Service; Team of the Year; Best use of Social Media; Start-up of the Year; Best Design/ Creative Campaign; and Best Company to Work For

Winners will be presented with their trophies at the gala dinner on Thursday, November 19 at The Mere, Knutsford.

Dress code is black tie and the evening will start at 6.45pm with a champagne reception.

Tickets cost £59.50, plus VAT, available from necbawards.co.uk.