CHESTER SETS ITS SIGHTS ON THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENTREPRENEURS WITH 2026 YOUNG BUSINESS AWARDS
Chester’s next generation of entrepreneurs is being invited to step into the spotlight as the Chester Business Club prepares its Young Business Person Awards for 2026, following a strong debut year that underscored the depth of emerging talent across the region.
The awards, introduced for the first time last year, return with renewed backing from the local business community and a growing emphasis on identifying young people whose ideas and enterprises are already contributing to economic and social progress in Chester and surrounding areas.
Designed to recognise ambition at an early stage, the initiative targets both school-age innovators with original business concepts and young founders who have already begun building sustainable ventures. Organisers say the aim is not only to celebrate achievement but to offer meaningful, long-term support to those at the start of their commercial journeys.
Sponsors confirmed for the 2026 awards include Magnify PR, DEESURVEYS and Connectus Business Solutions, whose involvement is expected to strengthen the programme’s reach and credibility. Winners will receive trophies, Chester BID vouchers worth up to £500 to spend in the city, and mentoring from members of the Chester Business Club. Shortlisted finalists will also receive prizes.
Gavin Floyd, chair of the Chester Business Club, said the awards play an important role in reinforcing the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“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. The CBC is proud to provide a platform to celebrate their achievements.”
The awards were originally conceived by Nick Owens, Founder of Magnify PR and a member of the Chester Business Club’s executive council. Magnify PR returns as lead sponsor for 2026, reflecting what organisers describe as sustained confidence in the initiative’s impact.
“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,” Owens said.
Entries for the 2026 awards are open across two categories, with eligibility criteria unchanged from last year. The Vision Awards are aimed at young people aged up to 18 who live in, or attend school or college within, the CH1–CH4 postcode areas. Applicants are required to submit an original business idea for Chester, supported by a written proposal of at least 750 words detailing the concept, location, commercial potential, challenges and support required. Two winners will be selected.
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 at least one year. Entrants must submit a minimum 1,000-word statement outlining their business journey, performance, leadership approach and future ambitions, supported by evidence of growth and impact.
Applications must be submitted online by 29 May 2026, with shortlisted finalists announced in June. Winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony in July, which finalists will be invited to attend with a guest.
Full entry criteria, submission guidelines and registration details are available via the official awards page on the Chester Business Club website: https://www.chesterbusinessclub.co.uk/young-business-person-awards
