The 2026 Halton Business Awards 

Apprentice/Young Person of the Year (Under 21)

• Oliver Ewan – AB Building & Electrical Ltd
• Oliver is a very talented joinery apprentice. He attends Riverside College on a weekly basis to support his workplace learning. Oliver’s main duties involve (but are not limited to): Identify and confirm requirments, prepare the workspace, handle and store materials, use hand and power tools, measure and calculate materials, always listen, be observant. 

• Jess Need – Anti-Ligature Shop Ltd
• Jess has just passed her Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship with distinction. She deals with international quotes and enquiries, checking stock availability and advising lead times and freight costs. Jess enters customer purchase orders on our ERP software and raises supplier orders if necessary. She oversees the customer order through to completion, including checking commercial invoices have the correct commodity codes and obtaining PODs.

• Grace Pih – Hutchinson Engineering
• Grace is completing her Level 3 Business Administration qualification at Riverside College. She manages the purchase ledger, ensuring suppliers are paid accurately and on time, reinforcing our integrity and strong supply chain relationships. A natural problem solver, Grace communicates effectively, resolves discrepancies efficiently, and continues to develop professionally, demonstrating reliability, accountability, and strong potential for future progression within Hutchinson. 

• Shane Riley – STFC Hartree Centre
• Shane supports the Business & Stakeholder Engagement team to deliver professional, high-impact events under the Event Manager’s guidance. Shane manages scheduling, facilities, and event administration for onsite and international activities, ensuring excellent customer service. He collaborates with STFC colleagues and external partners, maintains event materials and registration webpages, uphold brand standards, and proactively resolves coordination challenges to ensure seamless delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.

Apprentice/Young Person of the Year (21+)

• Benjamin Hickey – Sustainable Woodchip Ltd
• Ben is studying for Business Admin level 3 at Riverside College Widnes, throughout the year his growth within the business has been extraordinary, bringing passion, drive and extremely hard work to his role. Supporting both the director and operations manager any way he can to become an asset to the company, we are lucky to have him, and we are beyond proud of his achievements.

• Ruby Jordan – JR Levins Solicitors
• Marketing Coordinator responsible for creating JR Levins’ first-ever marketing function: setting strategy and reporting, producing engaging content across LinkedIn and Facebook, improving website/SEO, generating inbound enquiries, and coordinating PR and community activity—working closely with colleagues to capture stories, results and client insight.

• Ted Smith – Cheshire Air Conditioning Ltd
• Over the last 12 months, Ted has started his own business, Cheshire Air Conditioning Ltd, that provides Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning installation, service and repairs, nationwide to domestic and commercial properties. Ted is sole Director of the business which has gone from strength to strength with multiple contract wins and significant domestic installations.  

• Daisy Wilks – Daisy’s Pawsome Pals – Pet Services
• Daisy runs her own dog walking and pet care business, providing dog walks, in-home house sitting and drop-in visits for a wide range of animals. Alongside running the business, Daisy also volunteers with animal charities and performs professionally as a singer on weekends, balancing entrepreneurship, community involvement, and creativity at a young age. 

BID BUSINESS of the Year

• Brakes & Tyres On Your Drive Ltd
• Brakes & Tyres On Your Drive is a family-run mobile and static vehicle repair business based on Astmoor Industrial Estate. Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, we provide tyre fitting, brake repairs, and servicing across the Northwest and North Wales. Licensed to work on all UK roads including motorways, we partner with major brands including RAC Tyres, Black Circles, Asda Tyres, and Tire Streets USA.

• Expert Technologies Group
• Expert Aviation Technologies, part of Expert Technologies Group, delivers modular Airport Security Lanes designed for use with the latest Computed Tomography (CT) technology for deployment across the Global Market. The adaptable system, the eXpress Lane, allows for diverse customer requirements, while enhancing checkpoint efficiency by accelerating passenger throughput and improving the overall screening experience, enabling airports to achieve higher performance, future-ready security standards, and seamless operational flexibility.

• The Pet Crematoria Family – Whitley Brook
• The Pet Crematoria Family is a proudly independent, compassion led organisation dedicated to supporting families and their beloved pets. They constantly listen, learn, and evolve while upholding the highest ethical standards. Through teamwork, rigorous processes, and full traceability, they ensure every pet is treated with dignity and as if they were their own, delivering a deeply personal, trusted service through Pet Cremation with Confidence

• Vibra Manufacturing
• Vibra Manufacturing Ltd is a fast-growing specialist in the manufacture and supply of rubber components, gaskets and anti-vibration materials for industrial applications. Serving customers across the UK and expanding rapidly into the Middle East and Australia, the company combines technical expertise, responsive service and quality manufacturing to deliver reliable, bespoke rubber solutions for engineering and infrastructure sectors

BUSINESS LEADER of the Year

• Steve Adams – Hutchinson Engineering
• Across nearly three decades of dedicated service, Steve has played a transformative role in Hutchinson’s development. Today, the company has grown into a high-performing manufacturing organisation generating £29 million in turnover and supporting 246 skilled jobs, demonstrating the sustained impact of his leadership and strategic vision. As Managing Director, Steve leads both the operational performance and long-term strategic direction of the business, ensuring Hutchinson continues to evolve, innovate and grow in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

• Nicola Beal – Support at Home
• Nicola Beal is the Director of Support at Home which is a family-run care provider in Halton, delivering high-quality, person-centred support across the community. They prioritise compassionate care, staff development and wellbeing, ensuring clients and their families feel valued, heard and supported. Through innovation, partnerships and a dedicated workforce, we strive to make every care experience meaningful, enriching lives and strengthening the local community.

• Paul Dolan – Amnis Group Limited
• Paul Dolan is Managing Director and co-founder of Amnis Group Limited, an award-winning electrical engineering contractor based in Widnes. Through strong technical expertise and strategic leadership, Paul has grown the company delivering projects nationwide while investing in apprenticeships and sustainable technologies. Under his leadership Amnis won Family Business of the Year and Overall Outstanding Business at the Halton Business Awards 2025. 

• Paul Forester – E-Tech Components
• E-Tech Components are a Specialist Distributor of Power Cable Accessories and Electrical Components from leading industry brands. They offer high-quality, innovative solutions that save time, reduce costs, improve quality and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. They support our customers with Full Technical Support, Certified Training, Seminars and Product Demos. Their In-House Tool Repair & Calibration Centre makes them unique in the electrical industry.  

• Paul Woods – Proactive Despatch
• Proactive Despatch is a Customer Service Business that happens to sell Same day courier services. The courier industry gets a bad press and Proactive Despatch are on a mission to restore the faith in the industry through the service they literally deliver. Established in 2008, they have a turnover of circa £2m, serving approximately 420 different business customers from their base in Halton.  

Commitment to the Community Award (<100 employees)

• Anthonys Travel
• Anthony’s Travel is an award-winning family business, firmly at the heart of Halton established in 1985. With three generations of the Bamber family all active within the company. Anthony’s Travel provides passenger transportation and coach hire solutions to the community of Halton, Cheshire, Liverpool City Region and the Northwest. Specialising in accessible transport, their coaches are often a lifeline for social inclusion and quality of life.

• Bridgewater Home Care – Halton
• Bridgewater Home Care are a community-focused business dedicated to improving lives across Halton and surrounding areas. Through local partnerships, staff engagement, and community initiatives, they support wellbeing, create opportunities, and contribute to the area’s prosperity. Their commitment to responsible business ensures they continue making a positive and lasting impact for clients, employees and the wider community.

• Clan Contracting Limited
• Clan Contracting is a Widnes-based specialist structural contractor delivering complex structural and heritage works across the North West. They are recognised for their safe delivery, technical capability and ability to solve challenging problems. Built on skilled people, strong leadership and smart planning, the business continues to invest in innovation, sustainability, community and developing the next generation of construction professionals while building long-term client partnerships.

• Halton Haven Hospice
• Halton Haven Hospice provides specialist palliative care to people from Halton and surrounding areas who are living with terminal conditions. The specialist palliative care provided focuses on supporting patients physically, psychologically, and emotionally to enable them to carry on living the lives they want to live, for as long as possible. The hospice is open to everyone, and the care is free and accessible to those who need it.

• JR Levins LLP
• JR Levins is a local law firm with offices in Runcorn, Widnes, Huyton and Birkenhead. Formed in October 2024 from the merger of two long-established practices, they provide accessible legal support across key life matters. They are proud to support the communities across Halton by investing in grassroots sport and local wellbeing initiatives. 

Commitment to the Community Award (100+ employees)

• Halton Housing
• Halton Housing owns and manages over 7,000 in Runcorn and Widnes and is expanding geographically across the Northwest.
  With over 330 employees, Halton Housing’s purpose is improving people’s lives. Providing safe, well-maintained homes in neighbourhoods to be proud of, is key to delivering that ambition. Halton Housing also provides a range of services designed to support customers throughout their tenancy.

• Hutchinson Engineering
• Since 1979, Hutchinson has specialised in designing and manufacturing complex steel structures that support a more sustainable, connected world. With a highly skilled workforce and state-of-the-art fabrication facilities, they deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions tailored to the telecommunications, onshore and offshore wind, tidal, and nuclear sectors, consistently meeting the highest standards of safety, precision, innovation, and performance. Serving clients across the UK and worldwide energy infrastructure.

• KDE Ltd
• KDE is a full-service facilities provider delivering Electrical, Plumbing, Heating, Fire & Security, HVAC and Project works to domestic, commercial, industrial and public sector clients. They combine experienced leadership with a highly trained, directly employed workforce to deliver safe, compliant and reliable planned and reactive services across the North West and North Wales.

• Support at Home
• Support at Home is a family-run care provider in Halton, delivering high-quality, person-centred support across the community. They prioritise compassionate care, staff development, and wellbeing, ensuring clients and their families feel valued, heard, and supported. Through innovation, partnerships, and a dedicated workforce, they strive to make every care experience meaningful, enriching lives and strengthening the local community.

ECO EXCELLENCE AWARD

• Engage Training Academy Ltd
• Engage Training Academy delivers specialist training solutions serving the energy sector, including Level 3 DEA, PAS2035 Retrofit Assessor, OCDEA, NDEA Levels 3 & 4, MEES compliance, Traditional Buildings, and Air Tightness Testing & Background Ventilation. Winners of the 2025 Halton Clean Green Business of the Year, they reduce carbon emissions nationwide whilst enabling vulnerable people to lower energy bills through over 1,000 trained assessors. 

• Envo EHS Consulting Ltd
• ENVO is an independent environmental consultancy based at Sci-Tech Daresbury, providing a broad range of advisory services to a diverse client base. Their expertise spans environmental due diligence, compliance auditing, and ESG-related services. Since beginning trading in 2020, ENVO has experienced significant growth, expanding its service offerings and earning recognition as Environmental Consultancy of the Year 2024 – North West England in the SME News Awards.

• Genertech Power Solutions Ltd
• Genertech Power Solutions Ltd is a critical power generation company focused on reducing harmful emissions across the industry. Through innovative solutions including battery storage systems, HVO fuels, solar integration, friction-reducing oils, and advanced remote monitoring, the company enhances efficiency and reliability while lowering environmental impact. By minimising engineer travel and optimising power performance, Genertech helps organisations maintain resilient energy infrastructure while supporting the transition to cleaner, more sustainable power generation.

• KTL
• KTL delivers standout engineering services to clients in the telecommunications and power sectors, providing fast, flexible solutions tailored to each project. With over 28 years’ experience connecting communities, KTL understands what works. KTL has developed strategies that drive efficient, effective results and remains committed to delivering its best—an approach that consistently earns long-term client trust and repeat business. 

• MELO World Ltd
• MELO offers innovative Visual Management and 5S solutions that are proven to enhance the functionality of day-to-day operations. They specialise in creating modern, graphic organisation systems and communication products for both domestic and business use throughout the UK. Their main aim is to incorporate or modernise aspects of LEAN and 5S methodologies built for continuous improvement in your workplace.

• Sustainable Woodchip Ltd
• Sustainable Woodchip’s mission is to Harness Waste for a Sustainable Future. They are committed to leading environmental sustainability within the Green Waste, arboricultural and agricultural sectors by transforming organic waste into valuable renewable resources. Through a circular economy approach, the company collects green waste, arboricultural and forestry by-products such as branches, bark and wood residues and processes them into sustainable products including biomass fuel, livestock bedding and compost materials. 

EMPLOYER of the Year

• Cheshire Industrial Doors Ltd
• Cheshire Industrial Doors Ltd, established in 2003 and based in Runcorn, is a family-run leader in industrial and commercial door solutions nationwide. Supplying, installing and maintaining roller shutters, security doors, loading bay systems and more, they operate one of the UK’s most comprehensive repair services. Built on family values, quality workmanship and reliability, they’ve grown into a trusted name across the industry. 

• Halton Housing
• Halton Housing is an award-winning housing association that owns and manages over 7,000 homes across Cheshire and is expanding geographically across the Northwest. Its purpose is Improving People’s Lives, by supporting customers to live a fulfilled life, in a safe home, within a thriving community. As an anchor organisation, Halton Housing also builds new homes and supports the communities it serves.

• Support at Home
• Support at Home is a family-run care provider in Halton, delivering high-quality, person-centred support across the community. They prioritise compassionate care, staff development, and wellbeing, ensuring clients and their families feel valued, heard, and supported. Through innovation, partnerships, and a dedicated workforce, they strive to make every care experience meaningful, enriching lives and strengthening the local community.

• Weststone Construction
• Weststone place their workforce at the heart of everything it does, investing in training and development to the highest industry standards to support growth and progression. Recognising the challenges within the construction industry, particularly around mental health and wellbeing, Weststone fosters a supportive, open culture where relationships matter and people feel valued.

EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AWARD

• AB Building & Electrical Ltd
• AB Building & Electrical Ltd are a family-run business, with their Head Office now based on Page Lane in Widnes. The local firm was incorporated in 2002 with 5 employees, 24 years later they now have 56 employees and a second office based in Manchester. AB Building & Electrical are proud to say they have recently been accredited as a CIOB Chartered Builder, the only one within the Halton borough.     

• Clan Contracting
• Clan Contracting is a Widnes-based specialist structural contractor delivering complex structural and heritage works across the North West. They are recognised for their safe delivery, technical capability and ability to solve challenging problems. Built on skilled people, strong leadership and smart planning, the business continues to invest in innovation, sustainability, community and developing the next generation of construction professionals while building long-term client partnerships.

• ICM
• ICM is a specialist marketing consultancy for the UK construction and built environment sector, founded by former national journalist Ian Cheveau and based in Widnes, Cheshire. With more than two decades of PR and media experience, they help contractors and developers raise their profile, drive growth and win significant contracts through targeted campaigns, strategic communications and industry insight. 

• Weststone Construction Limited
• Weststone is a construction and civil engineering contractor specialising in the delivery of infrastructure, groundworks, RC Frames and external works across commercial, industrial, defence and logistics developments. They provide a range of services including site preparation, bulk earthworks, drainage installation, roads and hardstanding construction, reinforced concrete works, utilities installation and external works packages.  

FAMILY BUSINESS of the Year

• Amnis Group Limited
• Amnis Group Limited is an award-winning family-owned electrical engineering contractor founded by brothers Paul and David Dolan in Widnes. Combining consultancy-level engineering expertise with practical electrical contracting delivery, the business provides installation, compliance and renewable energy solutions nationwide. After winning Family Business of the Year and Overall Outstanding Business at the 2025 Halton Business Awards, Amnis continues to grow while investing in apprenticeships, innovation and the Halton community.

• DMI Hospitality
• Last years outstanding customer service award winners have now become DMI Hospitality – incorporating Deadman Ink Tattoo Studio, Deadman’s Kitchen, The Royal Oak Pub & now The Prospect Inn.

• Fervid Fitness
• Fervid Fitness Runcorn is a family-run fitness community dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their health, confidence, and wellbeing. Built on passion, support, and inclusivity, the gym delivers a high-quality service and a welcoming environment where members feel part of the “Fervid Family”. Through commitment to community impact and personal transformation, Fervid Fitness continues to inspire healthier lifestyles across Halton.

• Lady Heyes Holiday Park
• Lady Heyes is a family run business established since 1997. A 15 acre site set in the beautiful Cheshire countryside which comprises a Holiday Park & Village Shops. 45 assorted glamping accommodations, all built in house, with hot tubs and fire pits. A touring field with 85 pitches and a host of facilities including a variety of shops, café, soft play barn, padel courts and wax hands candles.

• Support at Home
• Support at Home is a family-run care provider in Halton, delivering high-quality, person-centred support across the community. They prioritise compassionate care, staff development, and wellbeing, ensuring clients and their families feel valued, heard, and supported. Through innovation, partnerships, and a dedicated workforce, they strive to make every care experience meaningful, enriching lives and strengthening the local community.

• Your Baby Scan Ltd
• Your Baby Scan is an award-winning family business delivering CQC-regulated ultrasound and specialist blood testing. From their state-of-the-art Widnes and Crewe clinics, the HCPC-qualified team provides empathetic, medically-backed reassurance. They are dedicated to the Halton community, combining clinical rigor with a “People-First” philosophy, currently pursuing B-Corp certification to ensure a sustainable future for the families they serve. 

INNOVATIVE BUSINESS of the Year

• AEG Partitions
• AEG Partitions is a family-run UK manufacturer and installer of acoustic movable walls and sliding folding partitions. Combining 25+ years of expertise with full turnkey service, the company delivers bespoke, high-quality solutions that maximise space efficiency for schools, offices, healthcare facilities, and hospitality venues—all while supporting local manufacturing and maintaining a strong commitment to staff, quality, and sustainability.

• Dead Positive CIC
• Dead Positive CIC is transforming how communities understand death, dying and grief. Through bold, myth busting education, Safe Spaces, community events and their innovative Dead Positive Workplace programme, they empower people and organisations to approach end of life experiences with confidence and compassion. Their dedicated hub, DPHQ, is a first of its kind space driving cultural change across Halton.

• Hutchinson Engineering
• Since 1979, Hutchinson has specialised in designing and manufacturing complex steel structures that support a more sustainable, connected world. With a highly skilled workforce and state-of-the-art fabrication facilities, they deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions tailored to the telecommunications, onshore and offshore wind, tidal, and nuclear sectors, consistently meeting the highest standards of safety, precision, innovation, and performance. Serving clients across the UK and worldwide energy infrastructure. 

• Soubor Applications Ltd
• SAL bridges community passion with commercial growth through innovative digital solutions. Alongside delivering bespoke software for local enterprise, our pilot with Runcorn Linnets FC (RLFC), we hit #93 in the UK Sports charts over it’s opening weekend, with 1,400 downloads & 205k+ views at the time of writing. SAL is dedicated to driving engagement and sustainable revenue through high-performance, scalable digital ecosystems that bridge local talent & communities, with global potential.

• VR Warehouse Ltd
• VR Warehouse Ltd is a family-run virtual reality venue in Halton delivering immersive VR gaming, creative experiences and community sessions for all ages. They combine innovative technology with inclusive delivery, offering youth groups, SEND-friendly sessions, wellbeing evenings and VR art clubs. Their mission is to provide a safe, exciting local space that inspires confidence, creativity and social connection through modern digital experiences.

INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS AWARD

• Catalytic Support Systems Ltd
• Family business, Catalytic Support Systems is a well-established name for knitted wire mesh components in the UK and Europe. It has been manufacturing and producing gaskets, seals and supports for high temperature applications for 36 years into automotive OEM customers during that time. With markets transitioning and global market stability in question, our aim is to pivot into new markets.

• E-Tech Components
• E-Tech Components are a Specialist Distributor of Power Cable Accessories and Electrical Components from leading industry brands. They offer high-quality, innovative solutions that save time, reduce costs, improve quality and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. They support customers with Full Technical Support, Certified Training, Seminars and Product Demos. Their In-House Tool Repair & Calibration Centre makes them unique in the electrical industry.

• Expert Technologies Group
• Expert Aviation Technologies, part of Expert Technologies Group delivers modular Airport Security Lanes designed for use with the latest Computed Tomography (CT) technology for deployment across the Global Market. The adaptable system, the eXpress Lane, allows for diverse customer requirements, while enhancing checkpoint efficiency by accelerating passenger throughput and improving the overall screening experience, enabling airports to achieve higher performance, future-ready security standards, and seamless operational flexibility.

• Genlab Limited
• Genlab manufactures Industrial Ovens, Incubators & Drying Cabinets from its factory in Widnes and celebrated 60 continuous years of trading in June 2023. The business sells its products worldwide and has evolved its products gradually over time to meet the ever-changing thermal requirements of its customers.  

MANUFACTURER of the Year

• Expert Technologies Group
• Expert Technologies Group is a premier manufacturer specialising in delivering world-class industrial automation systems. Their expertise spans a diverse range of sectors, and their commitment to excellence ensures unparalleled solutions, from special purpose machinery to complete production lines. At Expert Technologies Group, they are at the forefront of innovation, providing bespoke solutions in tooling and automation. Their comprehensive offerings include integrated robotics, automated assembly systems and special purpose machinery.

• Grange Valley Ltd T/A AEG Partitions
• AEG Partitions is a family-run UK manufacturer of bespoke acoustic movable walls and sliding folding partitions. Combining over 25 years of expertise with full in-house production, the company delivers high-quality, durable, and flexible solutions for schools, offices, healthcare, and hospitality, setting the standard for UK-manufactured partitions while supporting local suppliers and maintaining exceptional customer service.

• Hutchinson Engineering
• Since 1979, Hutchinson has specialised in designing and manufacturing complex steel structures that support a more sustainable, connected world. With a highly skilled workforce and state-of-the-art fabrication facilities, they deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions tailored to the telecommunications, onshore and offshore wind, tidal, and nuclear sectors, consistently meeting the highest standards of safety, precision, innovation, and performance. Serving clients across the UK and worldwide energy infrastructure.

• Shandon Diagnostics Limited T/A Epredia
• Epredia’s mission is to improve lives by enhancing precision cancer diagnostics. The Runcorn facility manufactures precision equipment for pathology laboratories around the world to support them in making diagnostic decisions. As the UK’s only manufacturer of high-throughput digital pathology equipment, they are driving critical new advances in technology that has the potential to make cancer diagnostics more efficient and accurate.

OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD (<15 employees)

• Chaii & Moor
• Founded in August 2025, Chaii & Moor is a community-centred café, bar and restaurant delivering speciality coffee, creative drinks and modern dining through their Chaii vibes & moor energy ethos. By prioritising people, consistency and innovation, they’ve created a welcoming destination built on loyalty, partnerships and momentum that lift customers and the wider area.

• Carol Smith Mortgage Services
• Carol Smith Mortgage Services is a Runcorn-based mortgage brokerage renowned for exceptional customer service. With over 20 years’ experience and access to a strong panel of trusted lenders, they provide tailored guidance from first-time buyers to remortgages and equity release. Recognised in The Times Top Rated Mortgage Brokers for five consecutive years, consistently excellent client feedback reflects their commitment to care and clarity.

• Little Wonderland Photography
• Little Wonderland Photography is an independent portrait and event photography business, specialising in baby & family portraiture. Established in 2014 by Becca Smith, born and raised in Widnes, Little Wonderland is dedicated to creating and capturing natural, authentic memories to be cherished for generations.

• Proactive Despatch
• Proactive Despatch is a Customer Service Business that happens to sell Same day courier services. The courier industry gets a bad press and Proactive Despatch are on a mission to restore the faith in the industry through the service they literally deliver. Established in 2008, they have a turnover of circa £2m and serve approximately 420 different business customers from their base in Halton.

• Your Baby Scan Ltd
• Your Baby Scan is an award-winning family business delivering CQC-regulated ultrasound and specialist blood testing. From their state-of-the-art Widnes and Crewe clinics, the HCPC-qualified team provides empathetic, medically-backed reassurance. They are dedicated to the Halton community, combining clinical rigor with a “People-First” philosophy, currently pursuing B-Corp certification to ensure a sustainable future for the families we serve. 

OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD (15+ employees)

• Bridgewater Home Care – Halton
• Bridgewater Home Care Halton provides compassionate, person centred home care that enables people to live safely and independently in their own homes. Since launching in 2022, the organisation has grown rapidly by prioritising exceptional customer service, highly trained staff, innovative technology and strong community partnerships, delivering outstanding client satisfaction while making a meaningful impact across the Halton community.

• E-Tech Components
• E-Tech Components are a Specialist Distributor of Power Cable Accessories and Electrical Components from leading industry brands. They offer high-quality, innovative solutions that save time, reduce costs, improve quality and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. They support customers with Full Technical Support, Certified Training, Seminars and Product Demos. Their In-House Tool Repair & Calibration Centre makes them unique in the electrical industry. 

• Greenlight Computers
• Greenlight Computers is a specialist IT Managed Services provider dedicated to the Life Science, Healthcare, and B2B sectors. Founded in 2006 and operating from Sci-Tech Daresbury, they deliver expert IT support, cybersecurity, and infrastructure solutions through a Single Point of Service model. Their mission: take the stress out of IT so clients can focus on what matters most.

• JR Levins
• JR Levins is a local law firm with offices in Runcorn, Widnes, Huyton and Birkenhead. Formed in October 2024 from the merger of two long-established practices, they provide accessible legal support across key life matters. They deliver outstanding customer service where it is hardest and most needed, often for people in crisis or at the most difficult points of their lives.

SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR

• BusinessLodge Widnes
• BusinessLodge provides flexible, high-quality serviced offices and coworking spaces designed to support businesses at every stage of growth. With ready-to-use offices, hot-desking, meeting rooms and virtual office services, it offers a professional environment with fast internet, reception support and modern facilities. Clients benefit from 24/7 access, strong security and shared amenities including an onsite gym, creating a supportive workspace where businesses can move in quickly and flourish.

• Bridgewater Home Care – Halton
• Bridgewater Home Care Halton provides compassionate, person centred home care that enables people to live safely and independently in their own homes. Since launching in 2022, the organisation has grown rapidly by prioritising exceptional customer service, highly trained staff, innovative technology and strong community partnerships, delivering outstanding client satisfaction while making a meaningful impact across the Halton community.

• E-Tech Components
• E-Tech Components are a Specialist Distributor of Power Cable Accessories and Electrical Components from leading industry brands. They offer high-quality, innovative solutions that save time, reduce costs, improve quality and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. They support customers with Full Technical Support, Certified Training, Seminars and Product Demos. Their In-House Tool Repair & Calibration Centre makes them unique in the electrical industry. 

• Greenlight Computers
• Greenlight Computers is a specialist IT Managed Services provider dedicated to the Life Science, Healthcare, and B2B sectors. Founded in 2006 and operating from Sci-Tech Daresbury, they deliver expert IT support, cybersecurity, and infrastructure solutions through a Single Point of Service model. Their mission: take the stress out of IT so clients can focus on what matters most.

• Proactive Despatch
• Proactive Despatch is a Customer Service Business that happens to sell Same day courier services. The courier industry gets a bad press and Proactive Despatch are on a mission to restore the faith in the industry through the service they literally deliver. Established in 2008, they have a turnover of circa £2m and serve approximately 420 different business customers from their base in Halton. 

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR

• Beacon Savings & Loans
• Beacon Savings & Loans is a member owned credit union, focused on ethical lending, practical savings solutions and community wellbeing. It supports members with fair, transparent products and a commitment to financial resilience. Rooted in local values, Beacon is a not-for-profit with an aim to strengthen their services, members and communities.

• Dead Positive CIC
• Dead Positive CIC is transforming how people in Halton understand death, dying and grief. Through innovative interactive workshops, Bereavement Cafés, community events and workplace training, they provide accessible, stigma free support for all. As a not for profit, every penny is reinvested into increasing access for those who need it most. Dead Positive are bold, compassionate and doing dying differently.

• Halton Veterans Legion CIC
• Halton Veteran’s mission is to give Armed Forces Personnel (Serving and Veterans), families and the community the tools and systems they need to assist with leading a fuller life. They aim to do their part in making our community a better place for all. They are here to support and help, by being approachable, transparent, honest and help the community to communicate with trust.

• SEND R US CIC
• SEND R US CIC delivers inclusive cookery, yoga and wellbeing sessions for children and families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). They create safe, supportive spaces that bring people together, build confidence, life skills and wellbeing. Through practical activities and community connection, they empower families, reduce isolation and promote positive physical and emotional development. 

• The Autism Wellbeing Project CIC
• The Autism Wellbeing Project CIC is a Halton-based social enterprise transforming the lives of autistic adults through therapy, mentoring, social care and an extensive timetable of free wellbeing activities. Combining lived experience with professional expertise, they deliver autism-affirming support that reduces isolation, improves mental health and builds independence.

• The Wonky Garden
• The Wonky Garden has an acre of biodiverse rich space at Ditton Community Centre. It engages with a vast network across the community, supporting physical and mental health, protecting wildlife, growing food for Foodbank and cut flowers/plants to gift to those in need of a cheer. It also has a community Growing Network and is affiliated with hedgehog rescue network and two sanctuaries.

START UP BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 

• DeadLaces Limited
• DeadLaces empowers young athletes with innovative, eco-friendly sports gear like odour-absorbing deodorisor bags, and personalised hooks. Founded in late 2023 by Halton-based grassroots coaches, they eliminate distractions to let kids focus on play, donating 10% of profits to youth sports via their Active Futures Foundation for greater accessibility and impact.

• ICM
• ICM is a specialist marketing consultancy for the UK construction and built environment sector, founded by former national journalist Ian Cheveau and based in Widnes, Cheshire. With more than two decades of PR and media experience, they help contractors and developers raise their profile, drive growth and win significant contracts through targeted campaigns, strategic communications and industry insight.

• Magees Dry Cleaners Ltd
• Magee’s Dry Cleaners and Commercial Laundry & Linen Hire is a trusted local business serving Halton, Liverpool and the wider Merseyside area. Providing professional garment care, laundry and linen services to both households and businesses, the company has successfully transformed into a thriving operation built on reliability, quality and outstanding customer service.

• Sisterella
• Sisterella is a female-founded High Street fashion brand in Widnes built on confidence, inclusivity and community. Founded from grassroots pop-ups with no external funding, they have grown into a thriving retail space empowering women of all ages and sizes. With the upcoming launch of Sisterella Shape and Curve, we are scaling a purpose-driven brand that celebrates bodies and builds confidence nationwide. Working with the community to bring something meaningful to Widnes. 

• Vibra Manufacturing
• Acquired via a pre-pack sale, the business was relaunched under new ownership and transformed through decisive turnaround leadership and entrepreneurial investment. They address gaps in high-performance rubber manufacture, designing specialist vibration and sealing solutions for demanding environments. By targeting underserved global markets and investing in in-house expertise and tooling, they have built strong customer partnerships, secured repeat project work, and established a differentiated platform for future success.

• Writing Dr
• Writing Dr is a writing coaching and publishing business specialising in business books, helping clients navigate the difficult process of planning, writing, editing, and publishing a full-length book. They have the know-how to produce engaging, professional books that build know, like, and trust with potential clients. Dull, error-filled writing and careless publishing can do damage to your reputation, so it’s important to get it right!