The award goes to the business or organisation that can demonstrate how their innovation and research has helped their business progress. How new products, services or processes have resulted in a sustainable advantage, and how that improvement is a part of their business planning.

The presentation was made by Senior Commercial Manager of Natwest Bank, Mr Alex Walters The winner of this award was Weaver Vale Housing Trust

Weaver Vale Housing Trust is a registered social landlord managing over 6,000 homes across Vale Royal.

The Trust’s Careline Service has pioneered the use of Assistive Technology, helping vulnerable people, such as the elderly or disabled, but who wish to remain living in their own home.

Offering a range of sensors such as personal triggers, natural gas detectors, bed and chair sensors and fall detectors, the company also helps to prevent emergencies and hospital admissions.

Adapted for each customer depending on the level of support needed, the service helps people to maintain their independence with dignity.

Judges comments: What the judges particularly liked about this winner is how they have developed new products and a range of clients that those products have been designed for. Innovation that they have given is of benefit for more of Cheshire with the ability to roll out the programme to a wider audience. They also made use of very good marketing.