FIVE businesses are battling it out for the prestige of winning the first High Sheriff of Cheshire Award for Enterprise.

The final decision will be announced at a special event on March 14 at the University of Chester.

High Sheriff of Cheshire David Briggs introduced the Award for Enterprise to recognise the outstanding achievements of businesses in Cheshire, Halton and Warrington.

Mr Briggs said: "There are many hard earned and valuable examples of successful enterprise in our area and many of these go unrecognised. I hope this award will contribute to furthering enterprise in our area for the benefit of the entire community."

With a total prize fund of more than £20,000, the new High Sheriff's Award for Enterprise represents the highest value award of any of its kind in the county.

Judged on ambition, innovation, growth, enterprise and employee and management development, the shortlisted businesses are: Applied Computing and Engineering of Birchwood, Warrington, which offers engineering design and manufacturing simulation software and services; EA Technology of Capenhurst, Chester, which provides innovative engineering products, services and consultancy to the electricity industry; Multisol of Nantwich, which offers chemical and additive distribution, blending, contract packing and toll processing; Projen PLC of Northwich, which offers project management and professional engineering services; SOG, the owner/operator of the Heath Business and Technical Park, Runcorn, which has transformed the former ICI site into a thriving multi-occupancy business park.

Entry to the High Sheriff's Award for Enterprise evening is free. It takes place on Wednesday, March 14, in Binks lecture theatre one, University of Chester, at 7pm. Complimentary light refreshments will be served from 6.30pm.

To reserve a place, call Melissa Maclean on 01244 511825 or email m.maclean@chester.ac.uk