THE best businesses in Herefordshire have a chance to step into the spotlight as the 2015 Diamond County Awards are launched.

The awards, developed by the late Herefordshire Council chairman Councillor Olwyn Barnett, will celebrate the county’s most exceptional companies, who have demonstrated a real commitment to making a positive difference in their local communities.

Current chairman Cllr John Stone said: “We are now into the third year of the awards and they have been a great success.

“We want to build on that and this is a great opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate local businesses which go that extra mile to add value and improvement to the quality of life for people in the county.”

Last year’s winner of the large business award was Pembridge-based Kingspan Insulation.

The award marked the company’s contribution to the county through employment, local sourcing, education programmes, road safety initiatives and the work of the Kingspan Insulation Community Trust, which funds local community projects.

The small business award was collected by Hereford specialist law firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys, which demonstrated its community involvement through participation in various fundraising activities.

It was also applauded for its work supporting local apprenticeship schemes, development of young professionals in the county and the provision of pro bono legal advice for a number of local initiatives Meanwhile, the outstanding apprentice award winner was Jay Sheffield from Arctic Circle Ltd.

Deborah Gittoes, MD of the Hereford refrigeration equipment manufacturer, said: “Jay is a remarkable young man and as an apprentice beat off external sales candidates to become a technical sales engineer.

“Despite his youth and inexperience he has made the role his own with a positive attitude and desire to fulfil our customer expectations. He not only managed to complete his apprenticeship early, but also achieved very good grades in his college work. We are very proud of him.”

Cllr Stone added: “Last year saw winners from a wide range of business sectors and we hope that this year bring a similar diverse entry to celebrate the best of Herefordshire."

“Cllr Barnett was passionate that businesses be recognised for their contribution to their communities and we are delighted to continue her good work in 2015.”

Nominations for the Diamond awards are open until noon on Friday March 27.

All businesses in Herefordshire are eligible, providing they have made a difference in their local community. The nominating procedure can be completed by using the online form at herefordshire.gov.uk/diamondcountyaward. You can also find a link on the home page of the Hereford Times website at herefordtimes.com Nominations can be also be emailed to chairmanofthecouncil@herefordshire.gov.uk or by post to Herefordshire Diamond County Award 2015, Shire Hall, St Peter’s Square, Hereford HR1 2HX.