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 that 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 and Internat-ional Business are just some of the categories to be hotly contested by companies acr-oss the two counties.

But they must be quick because all entries must be completed and received by the Chamber of Commerce 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."

Businesses can 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.

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 that businesses play in the economic well-being of the region.

For more information call the Chamber of Commerce team on 0845 641 1641.

THE CATEGORIES

* Business of the Year

* Business Start-up of the Year

* Small Business of the Year

* Growth Business of the Year

* International Business of the Year

* Employer of the Year

* Green Business of the Year * Chamber Member of the Year * Community Enterprise of the Year * Special Award for Excellence in Food and Drink Industry