Nantwich businesses and attractions are among the finalists in the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2026, with our very own Crewe Nub News also in the running for a top award.

Nantwich Food Festival and Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker are both in the running for Ambassador of the Year, which recognises organisations that champion South Cheshire.

Bowcock Cuerden LLP Nantwich has been shortlisted for Employer of the Year, while Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa is a finalist for Excellence in Customer Service.

Spreadwise Ltd has been shortlisted in two categories, Small Business of the Year and International Trader of the Year.

The Komet Canal Boat Company Limited at Aqueduct Marina is among the finalists for Start-Up Business of the Year.

Crewe Nub News is also shortlisted for Ambassador of the Year alongside Bentley Motors, Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Lyceum Theatre, Nantwich Food Festival and Radius.

Judging is now underway ahead of the awards ceremony at Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa on Friday 13 November.

The Chamber said there had been an increase in the number of start-up businesses entering this year's awards, highlighting the level of new business activity across South Cheshire.

Voting closes on Friday 16 October. The full line-up of finalists is:

• Ambassador of the Year: Bentley Motors, Crewe Nub News, Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Lyceum Theatre, Nantwich Food Festival and Radius.
• Apprentice of the Year: Isabella Yates (Cheshire College South & West) and Cody Brown (St Paul's Centre).
• Higher/Degree Apprentice of the Year: Gergo Erdelyi-Bonto (Baywater Healthcare), Charlie Goodman (Bentley Motors) and Mark Deaville (YMCA Cheshire Ltd).
• Business of the Year: Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa, Health Shield Friendly Society and Everybody Health & Leisure.
• Small Business of the Year: Daniel Matthias Architecture Ltd, Driver Hire Crewe and Spreadwise Ltd.
• Contribution to the Community (Charity): Supported Community Business (SBC), St Luke's Cheshire Hospice and The Wishing Well.
• Contribution to the Community (Business): Lyceum Theatre and Total People.
• Employer of the Year: Bowcock Cuerden LLP Nantwich, Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa and YMCA Cheshire Ltd.
• Excellence in Collaboration: Alpha Omega Women Peace and Security (WPS) Foundation, Cheshire College South & West and Lyceum Theatre Crewe.
• Excellence in Customer Service: Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa, Ibis Styles Crewe and Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa.
• International Trader of the Year: Spreadwise Ltd and Thermmark Ltd.
• Start-Up Business of the Year: Balloon Marketing Limited, Summit HR and The Komet Canal Boat Company Limited.

South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, Paul Colman, said: "Every year the calibre of entries is extremely high and this year has been no exception.

"We have a fantastic range of finalists all hoping to be called to the winner's podium. Win or lose, they can all be proud of the contribution they make.

"We are looking forward to another memorable night at Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa."

The awards are sponsored and supported by a number of South Cheshire organisations, including Assurant, Bentley Motors, Cheshire Connect, Cheshire College South & West, DJH Accountants & Business Advisers, Hibberts LLP Solicitors, KPI Recruiting, Nantwich Town FC, Reaseheath College & University Centre and TownSq Crewe.

Tickets and further information are available HERE.

READ MORE: Popular Crewe and Nantwich bus service doubles in frequency.

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