WITH just over two months left before the deadline, entries are flooding in for the annual Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire Awards.

Now in their fifth year, the awards are recognised as the pinnacle of business success in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and will this year be held at picturesque Birtsmorton Court, near Malvern, for the first time.

A new system of entering means it is easier than ever and already the Chamber is receiving good feedback on the process.

While entrants' names are not disclosed until the night of the Awards Dinner - on Thursday, June 8 - the Chamber can reveal that nominations have already been received in all categories, from a variety of companies.

Lynne Marshall, who has taken on the mantle of organising the Chamber of Commerce's biggest and most prestigious event of the year, said she was thrilled at the response so far to her first awards.

"It is a tough act to follow, that's for sure," said Lynne, who worked in events at Emap before joining the Chamber as events co-ordinator last summer.

"Not only is it our biggest event, with more than 300 people at last year's Awards Dinner, but it is also reflective of what the Chamber of Commerce is all about - striving to be the best you can be in business - and as such, we want to make sure it reflects well not only on the Chamber but on the whole of the business community, which is who the awards are for in the first place.

"We are very excited about our awards website - which went live earlier this month - and the new entry process, which limits all entries to four sides of A4, makes it quicker and easier to enter.

"We also have some great sponsors for the Awards and there are still plenty of opportunities remaining for companies to get on board and be a part of the excitement."

Entry forms are available on the website at www.hwchamberawards.com and can be downloaded, and posted or faxed to the Chamber, or entries can be done on line. The deadline is Friday May 5, 2006.

For more information, e-mail enquiries@hwchamberawards.com or phone Lynne Marshall on 0845 641 1535.

The award categories

Award for Skills Development (sponsored by Learning and Skills Council)

Best New Exporter of the Year (UK Trade & Investment)

Award for Business Commitment in the Community (Kingspan Insulation)

Business of the Year (Business Link West Mercia)

Employee of the Year (Worcester News)

Entrepreneur of the Year (Royal Bank of Scotland)

Innovation through Technology Award (Central Technology Belt)

Most Promising New Business (sponsor yet to be confirmed)