ENTRIES are open for one of the most prestigious awards nights in the Worcestershire and Herefordshire business calendar.

The Chamber Awards 2008 will be held on Thursday, June 5, at Eastnor Castle near Ledbury and entries are now being taken from businesses across the region, which are hoping to take away some of the top accolades on the night.

Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Green Business Award, International Business, are just some of the categories to be hotly contested by companies across the two counties.

But they must be quick because all entries must be completed and received by the Chamber by Wednesday, March 19.

MilSys UK, of Hereford, triumphed in 2007 as Business of the Year, and company director Mike Moran can attest to the big benefits to be gained by entering the awards.

"The award and subsequent recognition have provided the staff at MilSys with a real boost," he said. "We have an excellent team at MilSys and this award was testament to their hard work and determination to succeed.

"I would urge all companies in Herefordshire & Worcestershire to enter the Chamber Awards in 2008.

"We have some excellent companies operating throughout the two counties and it will be good to see them recognised for their achievements. Eastnor Castle is an excellent backdrop for the Awards and I for one am already looking forward to the event."

This year it is even easier to enter the event with the facility for businesses to enter online at the official awards website, www.hwchamberawards.com, designed by Chamber Patron member Nexus Creative.

The website is a one-stop-shop for businesses to find out all they need to know about the Chamber Awards, where is it not only possible to enter the awards, but seats can be booked for the awards ceremony itself, remaining sponsorship opportunities can be explored, and all questions can be answered about the categories, judges and the ceremony itself.

Ten categories will be contested, which represent the broad range of businesses across the region reflecting not only outstanding achievements but also recognising the vital role businesses play in the economic well-being of the region. Just by entering, businesses will boost the morale of employees, and the obvious benefits of winning are numerous.

The categories are:

  • Business of the Year
  • Business Start up of the Year
  • Small Business of the Year, sponsored by the University of Worcester Business School
  • Growth Business of the Year, sponsored by Business Link
  • International Business of the Year, sponsored by Kingspan Insulation
  • Employer of the Year
  • Green Business of the Year, sponsored by Worcestershire County Council
  • Chamber Member of the Year, sponsored by Nexus Creative
  • Community Enterprise of the Year, sponsored by Sanctuary Housing
  • Special Award for Excellence in the Food and Drink Industry

A special Award for Excellence will honour a business that has consistently achieved high standards within the food and drink industry, whether a producer of a new or innovative product, a retailer or foodservice outlet displaying excellence in the use of local food and drink products, or a service provider contributing significantly to the success of the sector throughout the region.

For all information on category criteria and any news on Chamber Awards 2008 log on to www.hwchamberawards.com, or call the Chamber team on 0845 641 1641.