Businesses and charities in Macclesfield can apply for an award, which will be presented to them by the High Sheriff of Cheshire.

Applications for the High Sheriff's Awards for Enterprise are now open.

Six categories make up this awards, from innovation, sustainable development, promoting social mobility and wellness at work.

There is also an individual category for best 'young person in business'. And finally, one for 'excellence in enterprise'.

The eligibility criteria and application form can be viewed on THIS LINK.

The High Sheriff is a traditional role, over 1000 years old, and provides a role in promoting organisations in our area and supporting the justice system.

It is an apolitical role, and currently held by Clare Hayward.

Here is what she had to say, the awards are all about.

"The Enterprise awards are focused on you, your team and your organisation," she said.

"We want to celebrate your hard work, flair, creativity, and innovation and the many other aspects that enable your organisation to be successful. The Awards are a wonderful way to celebrate your achievements and are now an important date in Cheshire's annual calendar, so we hope to see you there.

"The date for our presentation evening will be in March 2025, the venue being the prestigious Churchill House, home of University of Chester's Business School.

"The partnership between University of Chester and The High Sheriff of Cheshire enables business and academia to work together to ensure we have the skills, people and innovative climate we need in Cheshire to achieve our vision to be the most sustainable, healthy, inclusive and growing economy. And we want to celebrate you and your organisation, the people of Cheshire, that bring that vision to life. 

"As a business leader and entrepreneur focused on leadership and strategic engagement who has coached, facilitated and chaired boards, senior management teams and leaders across the globe over the last 30 years working across many industry sectors, I know that you will have had to make difficult decisions, worked hard and been very determined. 

"I also recognise that award applications processes can be time consuming, so we have made a couple of small changes. We have consolidated the awards and linked them to the King's Enterprise Awards' categories, so that you can build on the work and time you put into these awards if you decide to apply for a King's Enterprise Award.

"So, whether you are a pan-global business or charity, an entrepreneurial startup or anywhere in between, share your story with the experienced judges of these awards. As High Sheriff I want to celebrate your achievements and profile the success that you are achieving that embodies all that is progressive in Cheshire and the UK.

"This year includes some categories that profile more overtly than previously issues around environmental sustainability and also social mobility, both of which reflect early 21st century imperatives. 

"The range of award categories are designed in part to include at least one within which any business or charity can participate. I do hope that you wish to do so.

"I would also like to thank our sponsors: Grosvenor, Barlow, Mornflake, EA Technologies, and Warrington Borough Council. Thank you for enabling the awards and for sharing your expertise and knowledge."

Macclesfield organisations do not have long to get their applications in.

You have until January 20 to apply, and do so via THIS LINK.