Claire Carter, BBC journalist and broadcaster, will entertain guests at the awards ceremony.
The entries opened this Tuesday (September 1) and will close on November 27
There is an online workshop for entrants on October 14 where they can listen to top hints and tips from judges and previous winners.
Miss Carter, who has presented BBC Somerset’s Breakfast Show for the last three years, will host the finals night at the Winter Gardens Pavilion in Weston-super-Mare.
Stephen Henagulph, chief executive of Somerset Chamber, said: “I am grateful for the sponsorship of so many of Somerset’s leading businesses who, like me, are keen to celebrate everything that is great in the county, especially when so many have companies have faced extremely difficult trading times. I would encourage all local businesses to enter the awards to share their success stories.”
The awards, in their 16th year, are later than usual due to the coronavirus crisis.
The categories this year are:
- Small Business of the Year (1-5 employees)
- Medium Business of the Year (6-25 employees)
- Large Business of the Year (26+ employees)
- Albert Goodman Family Business of the Year Award
- Best Use of Technology Award
- Charity of the Year Award
- Employer of the Year
- Investing in Somerset Award
- Start-up of the Year Award (new award)
- Outstanding Achievement Award
- Environmental Achievement Award
- Service Excellence Award
- Somerset Manufacturer and Producer Award
- Outstanding Business COVID-19 Response
Sponsors include main sponsor Albert Goodman and sponsors TDA, Brook Financial, PKF Francis Clark, Porter Dodson, Hinkley Point C, Weston College, CETSAT, Garador, Gravity, Heart, Newsquest, Clarke Willmott, Elite Staffing Solutions, BT, Teapot Creative and Clarks.
To find out more visit somersetbusinessawards.org.uk