Across the United Kingdom, regional businesses and educational institutions are celebrating significant achievements after being honoured at recent industry awards ceremonies. From local colleges to independent retail franchises, these accolades highlight the dedication, innovation, and community impact demonstrated by organisations striving for excellence in their respective fields.
Key takeaways
- Macclesfield College secured two major honours at the North Cheshire Business Awards, including Businessperson of the Year.
- CeCe & Me Salisbury was named Independent Footwear Retailer of the Year at the prestigious Drapers Footwear Awards.
- These awards recognise the hard work, leadership, and community-focused approaches that define successful regional organisations.
Success at the North Cheshire business awards
Macclesfield College recently celebrated a landmark achievement at the North Cheshire Business Awards, held at Mottram Hall. The college’s marketing team received a highly commended status in the Team of the Year category, a testament to their dedication to supporting students, staff, and the wider community. Furthermore, Principal and CEO Rachel Kay was honoured as Businessperson of the Year, an award that acknowledges her outstanding leadership and commitment to education and skills development in the region.
Mrs Kay expressed her gratitude for the recognition, noting that the success is a collective effort. She highlighted that the achievement reflects the professionalism and creativity of the entire college staff, who work tirelessly to create new opportunities for students and local employers alike.
National recognition for independent retail
In the retail sector, CeCe & Me, a specialist children’s shoe fitting franchise, has been crowned Independent Footwear Retailer of the Year at the prestigious Drapers Footwear Awards. The business was commended for its calm, personal approach to service, which has filled a significant gap in the market following the decline of many independent shoe shops across the country.
Since opening its Salisbury branch in 2022, the franchise has become a staple for local families. Franchisee Lucy Minter attributed the success to the strong relationships built with customers and the support of the local community. The founder of the franchise, Sam Chetwood, noted that the award is a proud milestone, marking over a decade of commitment to providing high-quality, expert footwear fitting services to children.

