LAWRENCE Bellamy, associate dean at the University of Chester's Padgate campus is an expert in business.

This week in his regular column he emphasizes the importance of awards.

THERE are a large number of Business Awards operating in the UK.

They each take a different position within the market place.

Some represent the best within an area, such as the Warrington Business Awards and others an area of expertise, such as the Digital awards, but on a national scale.

In Chester recently the High Sheriff’s Awards for Enterprise took a look at some of the best businesses on offer within Cheshire and Warrington.

The High Sheriff’s history goes back to the 12th Century, where the role was mainly to collect taxes for the Crown.

The awards, which are managed by the University of Chester for the High Sheriff, are a much newer idea, having only been running for a few years. T

he role of the Sheriff has changed greatly, now it’s ceremonial and greatly supports charity work.

The businesses there represented some great ideas, ethics and attitudes. Warrington’s economy is very strong and there are many great firms. High-profile events like this help to raise their profile even further.

Companies should take these opportunities to publicise their great work.

Warrington has some outstanding firms and they need to get their achievements recognised at events like this. Publicity pays.