TIME is running out for the best businesses in Herefordshire to step forward to be in with a chance of picking up a Diamond County Award.

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

And one Hereford man who has reaped the benefits of winning is Jay Sheffield.

The 26-year-old, from refrigeration equipment manufacturer Article Circle, picked up the outstanding apprentice of the year award last year.

He was up against trainees from a wide range of sectors but the company's MD, Deborah Gittoes, praised Mr Sheffield as a 'remarkable young man'.

Speaking to the Hereford Times this week, Mr Sheffield said: "It's nice to be acknowledged and get the award against a high calibre of other apprentices from a wide range of people and sectors."

Since winning the award, Mr Sheffield, a former Kingstone High School pupil, has finished his apprenticeship with Hereford Group Training Association, and gained a level three NVQ diploma in engineering technical support.

It has led him to be promoted to technical sales manager.

"The job is varied and among many other aspects it involves technical proposals and presentations to various customers, project management of specialist refrigeration systems as well as design and product development," he said.

"And then mainly providing good communication internally and externally with people. The apprenticeship was a very important part of gaining the skills I needed for the job."

Since starting at the Rotherwas-based company in September 2010, Mr Sheffield has gained numerous qualifications alongside his apprenticeship, including a BTEC level three national diploma and a HND in mechanical engineering.

He also won the ACR Trainee of the Year award in December 2014 at a ceremony which recognised the best in the refrigeration industry.

"It's been challenging but I do enjoy the role and will probably look to study different courses in the future to further specialise in engineering," he added.

"My employers are really keen on supporting training and I think they have employed two apprentices a years for a very long time. Quite a lot of staff here have come through the apprentice route."

Nominations for the Diamond Awards close at noon on March 13.

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 – which can be accessed by clicking on the diamond bull – 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.