In partnership with the University of Chester
I’m delighted to welcome you to the High Sheriff’s Enterprise Awards 2022/23 which have now become an established part of Cheshire’s commercial calendar.
The date for our presentation evening has now been set for 31st March, 2023, the venue being the prestigious Churchill House, home of University of Chester’s Business School. The Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, Lady Alexis Redmond will be in attendance to add her congratulations.
This year, additional sparkle will be provided by Mr. Nicholas Wainwright, MBE DL, CEO and Chair of the renowned fine jewellers, Boodles, a family firm which started from modest beginnings in Liverpool and Chester and is now celebrated as one of the world’s leading specialist gem retailers Apart from his business success, Nick is known for his generosity to many charities, locally, nationally and internationally, blending his entrepreneurial success with an understanding and recognition of the wider community and the voluntary sector. As an entertaining speaker, you are guaranteed to be both amused as well as informed.
Although my background is that of a practising lawyer, I have always been closely involved in business and enterprise, having established and chaired North West Women’s Enterprise Network to provide a framework for women in business to meet and exchange ideas and challenges.
I was proud to be part of the development of Moreton Enterprises during my chairmanship of the Governing Council of the School, witnessing the students build successful and award-winning businesses, a bricks-and-mortar Enterprise Centre and running an annual Business Lunch for local leaders.
As a Director of our family business group, I recognise the sheer determination, attention to detail, vision and effort required to develop a small business into one which is dynamic and successful.
Serving on the Council of Governors at The University of Chester, it’s been a particular privilege to have seen the Business School develop into a renowned centre of excellence.
Cheshire has always been a hive of industry and commerce, serving not only our own city but also the as the productive hinterland to Liverpool and Manchester. We are proud of our position in the historical and current commercial economic environment. The people of this county have contributed and continue to contribute through their innovation, industry and insight into developing markets and customer service.
The Awards categories are developing each year to meet the changing values of our society and the business community. Diversity and social engagement are factors which are now integral to all commercial projects and there are specific categories recognising this.
This year, I am adding a personal award which will be made at the end of the evening. The category and personality will not be known until then so it will be something of a surprise at the end of proceedings.
Jeannie France-Hayhurst
High Sheriff of Cheshire 2022/23
