Connectus backs Chester’s young entrepreneurs as awards shortlist revealed

CONNECTUS Business Solutions has congratulated the young people shortlisted for the 2026 Young Person’s Business Awards, following a record-breaking number of entries from across Chester and the surrounding area.

The company is among the sponsors supporting this year’s awards, organised by Chester Business Club, which celebrate young people demonstrating entrepreneurial ambition, creativity and business potential.

The awards are split into two categories: the Vision Award, recognising young people with an innovative idea, early-stage concept or clear entrepreneurial vision, and the Young Entrepreneur Award, which honours those already building or running their own business.

This year’s competition attracted the largest number of entries since the awards were launched, highlighting growing interest in entrepreneurship among young people across the region.

Connectus founder Roy Shelton is also serving on this year’s judging panel, alongside fellow judges including 2025 winner Keren Isaiah.

Roy said: “We’re proud to support these awards because they give young people a platform to showcase their ideas, ambition and entrepreneurial talent. The quality of entries this year has been exceptional, which is fantastic to see but has certainly made the judging process more challenging.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to meet the people behind the ideas. Chester has always been a place full of ambition and enterprise, and these awards create valuable connections between young entrepreneurs and established business leaders who understand the challenges and opportunities involved in building something from the ground up.

“The strength of this year’s shortlist shows there is a tremendous amount of talent coming through. We are delighted to play a small part in encouraging and supporting the next generation of business leaders.”

Connectus joins fellow sponsors DEESURVEYS Limited, Aqueous Digital and Magnify PR in backing the initiative. Magnify PR founder Nick Owens originally established the awards to recognise and encourage young entrepreneurial talent across the area.

Winners will be announced at the CBC Young Business Person Awards Banquet 2026 on Monday, 6 July, when shortlisted candidates, judges, sponsors and members of Chester’s business community will come together to celebrate the achievements of the region’s emerging entrepreneurs.

Vision Award shortlist

• Oliver Stenton, 15, Upton High School
• Mohammad Dakak, 17, Cheshire College South & West
• Roan Eames, 17, Cheshire College South & West
• George Gray, 15, Upton High School
• Shareen Shanum, 14, Upton High School
• Corey Winckle, 16, Cheshire College South & West

Young Entrepreneur Award shortlist

• Peter Bell, Sol Renewables
• Collette Beckett, Jetblack Clothing
• Alex Sawyer, HeadShield
• Jack Green, The Thrive Studio
• Edward Price, The Mobile Bike Medic

Tickets for the CBC Young Business Person Awards Banquet 2026 are available at: https://chesterbusinessclub.co.uk/events/cbc-young-business-person-awards-banquet-2026/