Entries are now open for the 21st annual Somerset Business Awards with judges, sponsors and local businesses helping to officially launch the awards at a reception held at Hestercombe House and Gardens, near Taunton.
Organised annually by Somerset Chamber of Commerce, the awards have honoured scores of businesses, charities and individuals since they started – and leading accountancy firm, Albert Goodman, is returning as the headline sponsor for the 16th consecutive year!
Mike Cahill, a Partner at Albert Goodman, said: “The Somerset Business Awards are a fantastic way to celebrate the drive, innovation and success of businesses across the county. 
“As main sponsors, we’ve seen first-hand the real benefits of taking part — from raising a company’s profile and building credibility, to motivating teams and creating exciting new opportunities.
“Somerset has such a vibrant business community, and these awards are a wonderful chance to showcase that and be recognised for all the hard work that goes into running a successful business.”
The awards are the county’s biggest and most prestigious annual business awards and celebrate the very best of the county’s businesses. They are free to enter and businesses do not need to be a member of the Chamber to take part.
David Crew, Managing Director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “Taking part is a great way to raise your profile, engage your staff and celebrate your achievements.
“There are 14 categories which cover all sectors and sizes of businesses and charities and we know past winners have gained new business as a direct result of the publicity they received as an award-winner.
“The awards are a great way to share success stories and I am grateful for the sponsorship and support of so many of Somerset’s leading businesses.”
Organisations will have until November 21 to submit their entries via the Somerset Business Awards website at www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk. Tickets for the grand final, which will be held at the Bath & West Showground on Thursday, March 26, next year are already on sale via both the awards’ website and the chamber’s website at www.somerset-chamber.co.uk/.
Awards this year are:
- Small Business of the Year sponsored Gather Technology Ltd
- Medium Business of the Year sponsored by Brown & Brown
- Large Business of the Year sponsored by UCS College Group
- Albert Goodman Family Business of the Year Award
- Best Use of Digital Technology Award sponsored by Westcotts
- Charity of the Year Award sponsored by Clarke Willmott
- Employer of the Year sponsored by Stephens Scown
- Investing in Somerset Award sponsored by Hinkley Point C
- Start-up of the Year Award sponsored by Battens Solicitors
- Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by University Centre Weston
- Environmental and Sustainability Award sponsored by Agratas
- Service Excellence Award sponsored by Porter Dodson
- Manufacturing and Engineering Award sponsored by CNC Recruitment
- Business Resilience and Growth Award sponsored by Barclays
The awards are also supported by media sponsors Global and the Somerset County Gazette Series.