BUSINESSES across Herefordshire are being encouraged to showcase their successes by entering the annual Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce awards.

The awards ceremony celebrates the achievements of local businesses at a glittering event held at the Worcester Arena in June.

Entry into the awards, which are sponsored by Sanlam, was launched last Thursday and there are 11 categories available to enter – so there will be at least one suitable for every business.

The categories are: best use of Technology, Education and Business Partnership, Employer of the Year, Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Professional Services, Exporter of the Year, High Growth Business of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Most Promising New Business and Small Business of the Year.

It is free to enter the awards for both members and non-members of the chamber and is a simple process.

Once completed, applications will be judged and shortlisted and all finalists will be invited to the awards ceremony on Thursday, June 15.

There are numerous benefits to entering the awards, the chamber says, and winning is great way to raise the profile of a firm while boosting staff morale and making a business more competitive.

Winners and finalists will also benefit from networking on the night of the event, as well as the invaluable PR opportunities that follow.

Some categories provide the opportunity for businesses to be entered into the national British Chambers of Commerce Awards. Winners from Herefordshire and Worcestershire have previously continued to win their category for the West Midlands and the UK, achieving regional and national recognition.

Kingspan Insulation won the Excellence in Innovation Award in 2016 and continued to win the overall Award for Business of the Year.

Richard Burnley, Managing Director Insulation – Britain & Ireland, said: “I am delighted that our team’s hard work and innovation has been recognised by winning the Excellence in Innovation Award. It was a further boost to be voted Business of the Year 2016 by the Chamber of Commerce. The trophies are pride of place in our reception area. It’s always pleasing when the hard work of the people within your company is recognised by industry peers.”

To enter the awards, download an entry form at hwchamber.co.uk/awards, or contact the events team by calling 01905 673 624 or emailing events@hwchamber.co.uk

Entries for the awards close at 4pm on Friday, March 31.