Cheshire College – South & West is celebrating after being shortlisted in two categories at the South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards 2026. 

The College has been shortlisted for Excellence in Collaboration in recognition of its partnership with Belong Villages, which has supported opportunities for students and contributed to the development of the Alexandra Suite at the Crewe Campus. The College is shortlisted alongside Alpha Omega Women Peace and Security (WPS) Foundation and Crewe Lyceum Theatre in the category. 

Isabella Yates, a Marketing Apprentice at Crown Group, has also been shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Reaseheath College & University Centre. 

Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal and Deputy CEO at Cheshire College – South & West, said: 

“We are delighted to be shortlisted in two categories at this year’s South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards. It is fantastic to see Isabella’s achievements as an apprentice recognised, alongside the College’s partnership with Belong Villages, which has made a real difference to the learning opportunities available to our students.” 

Isabella has been employed by Crown Group while completing her Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer apprenticeship at Cheshire College. During her apprenticeship, she has supported marketing campaigns, website and social media activity, as well as the organisation of charity events. 

The excellence in Collaboration nomination reflects the College’s work with employers, community organisations and industry partners to create opportunities for students and support workforce development. 

The College’s partnership with Belong Villages is one example of this work, leading to the creation of the Alexandra Suite at the Crewe Campus. The immersive training environment replicates an authentic residential care setting and combines the College’s educational expertise with Belong’s specialist dementia-care knowledge. 

The partnership has also supported professional development, apprenticeships, work experience and T Level placements, alongside employer visits and curriculum enrichment. 

“We are looking forward to the awards ceremony and will be keeping our fingers crossed for both nominations. It would be a fantastic achievement for Isabella to take home the Apprentice of the Year award, and for the College’s collaborative work to be recognised through the Excellence in Collaboration category.” 

“We wish everyone shortlisted the very best of luck and look forward to celebrating with the wider South Cheshire business community at the awards ceremony. We are also pleased to be sponsoring the Business of the Year category and look forward to recognising the achievements of businesses across the region.” 

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa on Friday, 13 November 2026.