Last summer, Chester’s business community witnessed something genuinely special. The Chester Business Club Young Business Person Awards made their debut, and the quality of entries left judges stunned. As founder of Magnify PR and creator of these awards, I watched 13-year-old students pitch disruptive concepts alongside University of Chester student Keren Isaiah, whose culturally inclusive vending business Kairos Unlimited bagged the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
That calibre confirmed what many suspected: Chester nurtures commercial talent ready to shape the city’s future. Now, at the start of 2026, we’re inviting the next generation to step forward.
Two Categories, Three Winners
Vision Awards (two winners) welcome Year 12+ students up to age 18 living or studying within CH1-CH4 postcodes. Entrants submit 750+ word proposals mapping original Chester-based business ideas. Strong applications articulate the concept clearly, demonstrate commercial viability, select smart locations, plan realistic setups, anticipate genuine challenges and specify exactly what support they need. Evidence of enterprise through side hustles, school projects or coursework makes compelling cases even stronger.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year recognises individuals up to 25 who have run businesses within CH1-CH4 postcodes for over a year. Successful 1,000+ word statements chronicle real business journeys, backed by concrete growth metrics, leadership decisions that delivered results, client wins achieved and clear visions for the road ahead. Evidence of scalable operations, sector disruption and Chester impact carries most weight with judges.
The Rewards
Three winners receive 12 hours of personalised mentoring with Chester Business Club Executive Committee members spanning law, marketing, tech, engineering, finance, accounting, property and events.
Vision Award winners each receive substantial Chester BID vouchers (runners-up claim £100 vouchers).
Young Entrepreneur winner secures a substantial Chester BID voucher plus one month free Magnify PR support (runners-up receive £150 Chester BID vouchers).
All shortlisted finalists attend the Chester Business Club Annual Banquet on Monday 6 July 2026 with one adult guest (two free tickets) to collect certificates. Additional family/supporter tickets available at member guest rates.
Timeline
Applications opened this month with a 31 May 2026 deadline, providing ample time for thoughtful entries. Shortlists appear in June (finalists may submit additional information). The 6 July 2026 banquet crowns winners as students connect directly with Chester’s top business decision-makers.
Our Supporters
Magnify PR leads as founding sponsor, joined by Chester Business Club, Connectus Business Solutions and DEESURVEYS.
Roy Shelton, CEO of Connectus Business Solutions, values celebrating young people who turn local ideas into tangible economic impact. Chester Business Club chair Gavin Floyd welcomes the platform spotlighting talent that sustains Chester businesses through challenging times.
Our Inspiration
I created these awards to give recognition that raises profiles within Chester’s business community. Last year’s impact proved a clear gap existed. The strong sponsor return confirms we’re delivering lasting value. CH1-CH4 students with genuine business drive should seize this opportunity.
How to Enter
Vision Awards (Year 12+ up to 18, CH1-CH4 students)
Apply here
Young Entrepreneur (up to 25, 1+ year CH1-CH4 business)
Apply here
Deadline: 31 May 2026
Free entry – no school admin required
Questions:
events@chesterbusinessclub.co.uk
or
Magnify PR champions Chester’s next generation. Please share widely with ambitious students today.
Nick Owens
Founder of Magnify PR
Nick Owens is an award-winning journalist and former Fleet Street Editor who built Magnify PR into a PR agency that operates across the UK with editorial instincts that shape strong journalism: story, timing, proof, relevance and reader value.