It was the event the local business community had been waiting for.
The inaugural Macclesfield and Wilmslow Business awards attracted movers and shakers battling it out to be top dog in a range of categories.
Hundreds flocked to the sumptuously decorated Capesthorne Pavilion at the hall in Siddington for the black-tie event, organised by NatWest and sponsored by the Macclesfield and Wilmslow Express newspapers plus a number of other local firms.
See this week's Express for the full story of the awards night in our eight-page special pull-out
Serenaded by the angelic voice of Clarissa Hayward guests took their seats before dining on a three-course meal.
Hosted by Silk FM’s Andy Bailey, the evening was a celebration of all that is good in the business community, complete with video clips of all contenders.
And the awards were not the only highlights of the night.
A hugely entertaining and inspiring presentation from Dawn Gibbins MBE – the multimillionaire behind flooring company Flowcrete - had the room on its feet chanting a ‘mantra of success’ as she related the benefits of daring to be different, feng shui and dragon dancing.
And Mayor of Cheshire East Coun Roger West had the room in stitches with his speech, which ranged from his time at AstraZeneca to his father’s footballing career - see video below ... .
Inspired by a positive atmosphere of success, there was also time for networking as guests mingled throughout the evening.
In his closing speech, Ed Clivery, Business Development Director for Natwest, said: "When we embarked on our plans to run the awards our fundamental objectives were to celebrate the success of local businesses both small and large and as a result bring about the feel good factor.
"Tonight what we have seen and heard is testament to the remarkable enterprise on our doorstep and I hope you agree that we can be proud of the achievements of all our contenders."
Thanking the event sponsors, Tim Hine, Relationship Director at NatWest, added: "The awards have been made possible with our sponsors because without their vision and support we wouldn’t be here."
Afterwards, Macclesfield MP David Rutley said: "I was hugely impressed with the event and all the businesses who have taken part. It is a great sign for the region."
- Thanks were also given to:
- Tim Hine – NatWest Bank,
- Ed Clivery – NatWest Bank,
- Ed Beattie – Through Creative,
- Dave Richardson – Rich TV,
- Kay Stevenson – Harts Limited,
- Zoe Boddy-McEwen – Orbit Developments,
- Sue Bowden –Macclesfield Chamber of Commerce and
- Vicki Thompson – Capesthorne Hall
Main sponsors Steven Sankson, regional director for NatWest, and Tony Jones, managing director of Orbit Developments also gave speeches.
Fiona Morris, chief executive of East Cheshire Hospice, reminded guests of the vital work of the charity, which needs £6,000 a day to provide care and support for patients.
Guests on the night raised £3,200 for the charity in a special raffle. Former MP Sir Nicholas Winterton won a free parking pass which he generously handed back to be re-drawn.
Fundraising manager Fiona Beasley said afterwards: "We were delighted to be chosen as the nominated charity for this prestigious award ceremony.It raised significant funds and it gave us a great opportunity to meet new contacts and thank current ones."
See this week's Express for the full story of the awards night in our eight-page special pull-out
