THE best of the regions business community were out in force at Cranage Hall on Friday (November 15) as the Crème de la Crème Cheshire Business Awards took place.

Excitement filled the air as the evening progressed and true to its ‘Hollywood glamour’ theme there were also some ‘star guests’ in the form of Laurel & Hardy, Charlie Chapline and Marilyn Monroe.

Renown psychologist and author Kerry Daynes and business woman Lisa Harper were among those honoured at the event.

Joanna Scott-Aspray, founder of the awards and CEO of The Cheshire Club said: “The evening was a celebration of excellence, resilience, and local entrepreneurial spirit.

“I connect people year-round and specialise in growth and visibility, so I’m thrilled to of welcomed so many exceptional business owners and given them this platform not only to be visible but also to raise their confidence and create new aspirations for 2025. We celebrated the best of the best, inspiring others and honouring the tireless work and dedication of our local entrepreneurs.”

Joanna also expressed her gratitude to Sarah and Nick Bianchi of Arighi Bianchi and other sponsors and supporters, adding: “It’s a privilege to have such amazing support and to raise funds and awareness for this year's charity, East Cheshire Hospice.”

Sarah Bianchi CEO of Arighi Bianchi said: “The Crème de la Crème Awards was a wonderful evening, full of positivity and inspiration. A true celebration of the individuals, the businesses and the unsung heroes contributing so much the Cheshire business community.”

Best of Cheshire’s business community honoured

All three judges’ decisions were unanimous when deciding the Overall Excellence Award, the winner was Claire Steele - A Stroke of Magic Hair and Beauty. A mother of 4, Claire was named overall winner because of the tireless work she does with the Christie Hospital helping breast cancer patients with areola tattoos in legacy to her mother.

Other winners included:

Family Business of the Year 2024 (Presented by Pearl Elliott Associates)

Malaka Smith - Lily & Rosie Cafe

Community Champion 2024 (Sponsored by Oxford Natural Longevity & Aesthetics Clinic)

Claire Steele - A Stroke of Magic Hair & Beauty

Outstanding Self Development & Growth 2024 (Sponsored by Urbandog Media Ltd)

Stephanie Tully - Baby Club Cheshire

Highly Commended Award - Lucy Allan - Dream Space Staging Ltd

Best Customer Service 2024 (Sponsored by Sovereign Properties)

Emma Jones - Cheshire Clinical Beauty

Charity of the Year 2024 (Sponsored by Aqueous Digital)

Joanne Thompson - Millie’s Trust

Male of the Year 2024 (Sponsored by “Saffy” The VW Vintage Camper Van)

Matt Berry - Repair & Ride

Small Business of the Year 2024 (Sponsored by PWRHOUSE COLLECTIVE)

Dr Andre Brittain-Dissont & DR Sam Brittain-Dissont 

Oxford Natural Longevity & Aesthetics Clinic

Highly Commended Award - Stacey Jones - Stacey Jones Photography

Female of the Year 2024  (Sponsored by Dream Space Staging Ltd & JB Removals & Storage)

Kerry Daynes

Rising Star of the Year 2024 (Sponsored by Sale Dental Spa)

Joy Bradley - JB Removals & Storage

Best Business Start-Up 2024 (2 Years) (Sponsored by Cheshire Clinical Beauty)

Sophie Fox - The Mobberley Ice Cream Co

Highly Commended Award -  Penelope Silver - Elevate VA

Entrepreneur of the Year 2024  (Sponsored by d’Lusso Collection)

Helen Wilson - Fun Fest Cheshire

Most Inspirational Person of the Year 2024 - Lisa Harper

Most Creative Social Media 2024 - Marcus Johnson – Urbandog Media Ltd

Overall Excellence Winner 2024 (Presented by Arighi Bianchi)  

Claire Steele - A Stroke of Magic Hair & Beauty