THE search is on for the best businesses and the best business people from Worcester.

It's all part of the Chamber Awards 2007, now in its sixth year and run by the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The awards recognise and reward businesses and individuals from across the two counties.

The award categories each recognise an important part of business or a sector that is vital in the two counties. The categories are:

*Business of the Year sponsored by Business Link.

*Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by Kingspan Insulation.

*Most Promising New Business sponsored by the Rural Regeneration Zone.

*Employee of the Year Worcestershire sponsored by Worcester News.

*Employee of the Year Herefordshire sponsored by the Hereford Times.

*Award for Skills Development sponsored by the Learning and Skills Council.

*Innovation through Technology Award sponsored by the Central Technology Belt.

*Award for Commitment to the Community sponsored by Worcestershire County Council.

The Excellence in Tourism Award.

Making a nomination for an award is easy and free. Anyone interested can log on to www. hwchamberawards.com and fill out the entry form.

The deadline for entries is Friday, May 25. The deadline for the Employee of the Year Award has now passed.

Past winners include Brandon Weston, who won Entrepreneur of the Year 2006, and Sandra Greenhow from Christopher Whitehead School, who won the Employee of the Year 2006.

The 2007 winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Thursday, June 21, at Worcester Rugby Club.