A CHESTER-BASED business which helps people with hair loss conditions has been honoured with a £10k cash prize at this year's Cheshire Business Awards.

The overall business excellence winner at the event was Rebecca Morgan-Brennan’s business Morgan’s Hair, Beauty & Wigs Limited. 

Rebecca said: “What can I say we are absolutely blown away at not just winning the award but to then win the final award and £10,000; just wow!

"This will mean so so much to us as a business. We are a strong team of hairdressers that see how many people truly do struggle in life with hair loss for all reasons, all genders and ages.

"Your hair can be your crown and glory, your identity, personality, your confidence. The day-to-day struggle to lead a normal life with hair loss is massive for most people we see. We want to give the best advice, service and solutions to men, women and children, making those solutions as affordable as possible.  

“To get recognition for the work we do makes us strive to do better each day. The money will be used to put out staff through more training with wigs and the mental side effects hair loss can have on an individual.

"We want to use some of the money to support children with hair loss and to create an on line app for people to ask questions privately about any concerns they have regarding their hair loss or a family member or friend; so providing a safe haven for them.  

"We come across different circumstances daily that affect peoples life’s through hair loss and we want to offer the best possible support to each individual that we can.” 

Sponsor Elizabeth Pringle MD of Pace Investments said: “The awards this evening were made-up of many categories, and the key ones for me were the Community impact award, Female of the year and those who showed massive growth post pandemic.

"However the one winner who really stood out for me from a personal aspect was Rebecca Morgan-Brennan’s business Morgan’s Hair, Beauty & Wigs Ltd.  

"Rebecca makes such a difference to everyday people and I could not not invest in her to enable her to do even more good with her business. I was honoured to be able to give her this award because of the amazing difference she makes to everyday lives." 

Joanna Scott-Aspray CEO of The Cheshire Club added: “All of our 2022 small business winners have the same business ethics from their sheer determination and strength, to surviving a pandemic or indeed setting up through Covid.

"For some they changed the way they work and what services they offer and for others it was about riding the storm and believing in themselves.

"But what they all have in common is due to their greatness and what they have achieved which is down to due sheer graft, determination and resilience. Small business owners have it tough and it’s a lonely place for many.  

"I know the awards have done exactly what I set out to do; given people hope, brought people together with a feeling of support and unity and above all given the feel good factor!” 

Award winners were:

FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2022 - Sponsored by The M Project 

Catherine Hayden - Heavenly Home Cleans 

“Catherine won because of her commitment to excellence and dedication to her staff and customers. She’s down to earth, kind and genuine. She’s faced alot of challenges and has always come out on top!” 

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY INITIATIVE AWARD 2022 - Sponsored by Aqueous Digital 

Rachel Stevens - BeeU Mental Health Campaign 

“Rachel won because of her mental health fundraising work and her cause dedicating hours of her time to help offers especially in the bullying sector. She always puts others before herself.” 

OUTSTANDING FAST GROWTH BUSINESS AWARD 2022 - Sponsored by Pace Investments 

Amy Shevlin - UK Laser It Ltd 

“Amy won because of her sheet hard work and dedication often working singlehandedly opening two clinics in close succession with plans to expand and add lots of new services.” 

COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR 2022 - Sponsored by Flossy the Vintage VW Events Camper  

Josie May & Charlotte Balbier - The Money Mavens 

“Josie and Charlotte won due to their dynamic, natural approach helping other females succeed in an often challenging space. They bounce of each other making it an amazing fit with years of expertise.” 

THE INNOVATION AWARD 2022 - Presented by Sinclair Law 

Chloe Blair - Winners Strength & Wellbeing Studio 

“Chloe won because of her unique and innovative concept and her committed approach to mental health and creating a safe space for women.” 

STAR OF THE YEAR 2022 - Sponsored by Morgans Hair, Beauty & Wigs Ltd 

Lucy Allen - Piccolino Restaurants 

“Lucy won because of her professional approach in her role. She is easy to work with and gets the job done. She’s a credit to the Piccolino brand.” 

ENTERPRISING YOUNG PERSON AWARD 2022 - Sponsored by Heavenly Homes Cleaning & Maintenance Ltd 

Abbie Potter - Wren Kitchens 

“Abbie won because in an often male dominant position within the industry she has excelled and always shines even though adversity. She never gives up and is always helping others."

OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL IN HOSPITALITY 2022 - Sponsored by Rockstar Spirits 

Olivia Thornton Stubbs - San Carlo Restaurants 

“Olivia doesn’t need any introduction within the hospitality industry. She is super organised, personable and always delivers. She’s a key member of the San Carlo team!” 

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2022 - Sponsored by Helen Carouzos Psychology 

Aga Mortlock - Aga Mortlock Photography 

“Aga won this award because of her dynamic and innovative approach in her profession. Her shoots are always relaxed and fun and her systems and customer service is second to none."

FEMALE OF THE YEAR 2022 - Sponsored by Rodial Beauty 

Rebecca Morgan-Brennan - Morgans Hair, Beauty & Wigs Ltd 

“Rebecca won due to her commitment to making others feel good, her caring, genuine nature and the services she provides to many with health issues and who have faced truly terrible illness. She also provides an amazing service to the NHS."

BEST BUSINESS START-UP 2022 - Sponsored by The Queen Bee - IATQB 

Lara Besbrode - The Matchmaker UK 

“Lara has achieved so much in a short period of time. Growing her business singlehandly and at a fast pace. She’s also been involved in podcasts, TV and radio. She’s had some very successful matches.” 

OUTSTANDING ENTREPRENEUR AWARD 2022 - Sponsored by Katie Webster Coaching 

Emma Guy - Aqueous Digital 

“Emma has won due to her entrepreneurial approach, facing personal adversity along the way. She created Aqueous Digital along with her husband which is a very successful business and also had time to study, start other businesses and publish a book.”

MOST OUTSTANDING BUSINESS AWARD 2022  - in association with The Cheshire Club  

Dom Sabine - Streetstar Studios UK 

“Dom won this award due to his “think outside the box” approach, his professionalism, very unique ideas and he’s always willing to help others. He has always moved with the times, diversifying and supplying the best services in his industry and knows how to turn everything he touches to gold!” 

Host for the awards was Darren Proctor from Happy Radio. Judges included entrepreneurs Thomas G Hurst from Rockstar Spirits (who was on Dragon’s Den), Real Housewives of Cheshire and business owner Lauren Simon and author Kerry Daynes from TV’s Faking it.

Guests and award presenters include Lewis Ellis a digital marketing consultant who made it to the final five in the BBC's 'The Apprentice' and has teamed up with Pace Investments to launch his own digital agency. 

The event raised funds for Variety, the Children’s Charity (https://www.variety.org.uk/) on the evening helping provide practical help that makes an immediate difference to disabled and disadvantaged children and young people.