AN ELLESMERE Port company jointly scooped the major prize in the high sheriff of Cheshire enterprise awards.

The winners of the annual accolades were this year announced online due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Another firm from Ellesmere Port also landed an award in one of the many other categories.

While the organisers were disappointed that the awards evening could not take place this year, they enjoyed hosting a different kind of ‘social’ occasion, with an online ceremony engaging with businesses.

The awards are only made possible thanks to significant contributions from a broad team of sponsors and judges and the organisers thanked them for this support.

In a strong competitive field, two companies scooped the overall prize of high sheriff’s award for enterprise, Precision Facades in Ellesmere Port and PM PROjEN in Warrington.

Judges praised Precision Facades’ first-class business with visionary leadership and PM PROjEN’s willingness to engage and their exciting projects.

Both organisations win a place on the University of Chester’s MBA programme worth £11,000 each.

Steve McGowan, managing director of Precision Facades, said: “Wow, we really weren’t expecting this and we appreciate all our hard work to build a great company has been recognised. It means so much to myself and amazing staff we have. We will be back even stronger next year. Thanks to all at the high sheriff’s awards and University of Chester. Stay safe.”

Shane Pugh, director of business development for PM PROjEN, said: “We are delighted to win this prestigious award, it is always thrilling when someone else recognises the qualities of your business.

"Whilst we operate across the entire UK, it is great to be recognised as a significant business within our own region."

A number of other awards were made on the night including the Roberts Bakery family award of excellence award went to Laker-Vent Engineering Limited in Ellesmere Port who win £2,000 in prize money.

Judges were highly impressed with this second-generation controlled family business who are mechanical engineering contractors and a shining example of a strong family business.

Michael Ventre, joint managing director, said: “We at Laker-Vent Engineering are very proud to accept the high sheriff’s family business of excellence award. We would like to thank all our employees for their dedication, hard work and commitment.”

The winner of the best apprentice award, sponsored by Barlows Electrical, is Alexandra Nuttall. Alexandra is a Level 4 Business Administration Apprentice at Hillyer McKeown in Chester and is an enthusiastic and inspiring ambassador, both for her organisation and for apprenticeships, advocating them as a truly viable route to career progression and success.

Mark Mitchell DL, high sheriff of Cheshire, said: “It was an unusual end to the awards this year announcing winners on social media! Nevertheless, congratulations to all our finalists."