Business owners give a thumbs up to the award-winning Cheshire West Business Growth Team

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Business Growth Team has won in the Most Innovative Project of the Year category at the prestigious Institute of Economic Development (IED) awards for the Business Tapas platform.

The IED awards recognise outstanding achievements in both the public and private sectors, acknowledging projects that have transcended traditional approaches, delivering significant benefits through innovation.

Business Tapas is a digital knowledge hub that has been developed to accelerate business growth and bring together a wealth of resources, tutorials, and advice on core business topics. This free, invaluable tool helps upskill professionals and demystify complex subjects.

The engaging, accessible resource provides insight into a range of topics that include business management, digital marketing, design, social impact, finance, HR and many more. Each 'bitesize' piece of information presented in the platform signposts the latest guidance from industry sources, providing users with an easy ‘one-stop shop’ to learn, develop and grow.

Business Tapas is available to local businesses, from entrepreneurs and small start-ups to large businesses and those within the third sector plus community organisations and charities.

The content is accessible for all industries, with a customisable feed that allows individuals to tailor the content shown to their bespoke business needs.

This free-to-use platform is consistently updated with the latest tailored business advice, ensuring members have access to relevant and up-to-date information, at all times.

IED Director Bev Hurley CBE, who hosted the IED Annual Awards 2024, said:

“Many congratulations to Cheshire West and Cheshire Council as the winner of our Most Innovative Project of the Year award. Our judges praised this submission for its innovative approach to creating a digital platform that evolves with trends and user feedback. Key features include a digital training hub, corporate-sponsored areas, and community forums, aimed at supporting businesses of all sizes across various industries.

“Described as a transformative platform by our judges, Business Tapas addresses economic inequalities and fosters trust among local organisations. Judges also noted its accessibility for micro and small enterprises and highlighted its thoughtful design, which complies with local authority regulations while offering commercialisation potential for future growth.”

Rachel Kirk, owner of Kirk’s Land Agents Limited, said:

“I discovered the Business Tapas platform through the Year 2 UKSPF Business Support Programme. As a new business owner, it provides bite-sized information, avoiding overload. It’s great for small business operators, allowing me to personalise my reading. The regular posts are easy to skim and click on for more details, offering compliance refreshers, local event updates, and useful resource links.”

Dan & Laura, owners of Dan’s Good Wood Shop, said:

“Business Tapas has been an invaluable resource for our company, providing clear and insightful guidance on a wide range of business topics. Their expert content has helped us navigate complex challenges and foster growth with ease and confidence.”

Louisa Tett, Office Manager at Code Nation, said:

“It is often a struggle to stay updated with the latest digital best practices and growth opportunities. Business Tapas is a valuable resource for the company I work for. The platform's insights are presented in a 'bitesize', easily digestible format, making it easy for us to understand new strategies.

“What sets Business Tapas apart is its commitment to providing trustworthy, credible information. In an environment where commercial motives can often cast doubt on the support offered, it’s refreshing to access a hub that genuinely prioritises the needs of SMEs. The resources available on the platform help save us time and ensured we have the best tools at our disposal.

“Business Tapas has successfully created a robust scheme that amplifies support for businesses across the borough, and I believe it provides help to empower business owners and employees alike with opportunities for growth. I highly recommend Business Tapas to any company looking for reliable, actionable insights and resources.”

Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said:

“It’s fantastic to hear business owners praise the work of the Council’s Business Growth Team, and the award from the Institute of Economic Development must be the cherry on top for them. Their Business Tapas programme is a great resource for all local businesses at whatever stage of their journey. It is part of the Council’s business support offer that helps local businesses to start-up, scale-up and innovate – creating sustainable and inclusive growth and a fair Cheshire West economy for our residents and businesses.

“Thank you to all the businesses that have helped to develop Business Tapas, as well as the fantastic Cheshire West Business Growth Team and the vibrant businesses across our borough. Thanks for being a part of a local success story!”

Find out more about Business Tapas:

Business Tapas platform

For more information on the IED Awards, visit:

IED Annual Awards 2024 winners are revealed | IED - Institute of Economic Development