Connectus Business Solutions is delighted to announce it will be one of the lead sponsors of the Chester Business Club Young Business Person Awards.
Launched only last year, the Chester Business Club Young Business Person Awards have already established themselves as a key platform for recognising, nurturing and championing young people whose ambition, innovation and leadership are making a real impact on Chester’s business community.
The 2026 awards will build on that success, continuing to shine a spotlight on the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Roy Shelton, CEO of Connectus Business Solutions, said the company was delighted to be supporting the awards:
“These awards are a fantastic celebration of young people who are not only full of ideas, but who are also turning those ideas into positive action for the local economy. Supporting the next generation of business leaders is incredibly important to us at Connectus, and the Chester Business Club Young Business Person Awards do exactly that by encouraging ambition, confidence and innovation at an early stage.”
Sponsors for the 2026 awards also include Magnify PR, and DEESURVEYS.
Winners will receive a trophy, Chester BID vouchers of up to £500 to spend in the city, along with mentoring and business support from members of the Chester Business Club. Shortlisted candidates will also receive prizes in recognition of their achievements.
Gavin Floyd, Chair of the Chester Business Club, welcomed the return of the awards, saying: “I am absolutely delighted that the Chester Business Club Young Business Person Awards are returning. These awards play a vital role in recognising and encouraging the incredible young talent we have in and around Chester. It’s inspiring to see the energy, creativity and drive of the next generation, and CBC is proud to provide a platform to celebrate their achievements.”
The awards were originally created by Nick Owens, founder of Magnify PR and a member of the Chester Business Club’s Executive Council. Magnify PR returns as the event’s lead sponsor. Nick said: “I’m thrilled that the awards will be returning. When I created them, the aim was to give young business people the recognition they deserve and to help raise their profile within the wider business community. Seeing the awards come back, with such strong support from sponsors and CBC, is fantastic and I’d encourage people to apply.”
How to Enter
The 2026 awards are open to applicants across two categories, with entry criteria unchanged from the previous year.
The Vision Awards are open to young people aged up to 18 who live in or attend school or college within the CH1–CH4 postcode areas. Applicants are asked to submit an original business idea for Chester, explained in at least 750 words, outlining the concept, its potential for success, location, setup strategy, challenges and the support required. Two winners will be announced.
The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award is open to individuals aged up to 25 who have been running a business in the CH1–CH4 area for a minimum of one year. Entrants must submit a minimum 1,000-word statement detailing their business journey, success, growth, leadership and future plans.
Applications must be submitted online by May 29, 2026. Shortlisted finalists will be announced in June and invited, along with one guest, to attend the awards ceremony in July where the winners will be revealed.
For full entry details and submission instructions, visit the Chester Business Club website.
