Businesses, charities and other organisations are being invited to find out more about the county’s biggest and most prestigious awards at the official launch of the Somerset Business Awards 2027.
Entries open next month for the Somerset Business Awards 2027, which celebrate the very best of Somerset’s business community and voluntary sector.
Organised annually by Somerset Chamber of Commerce, leading accountancy firm Albert Goodman is returning as headline sponsor for the 17th consecutive year. 
The awards will officially launch on Wednesday, September 9, with a special event at Henlade House, near Taunton, where prospective entrants will be able to meet sponsors and judges and find out more about the awards.
There is no charge to attend the launch event, but places must be booked in advance via the Somerset Chamber of Commerce website.
This year, the awards welcome new and returning judges and sponsors, with 14 categories recognising excellence across Somerset’s business and voluntary sectors.
New categories for 2027 include Scale Up of the Year, recognising ambitious businesses achieving significant growth, Business Leader of the Year, celebrating exceptional leadership and the Innovation with Impact Award, recognising organisations that are using innovation to make a meaningful difference.
Other categories include Charity of the Year, Service Excellence, Apprentice of the Year and Family Business of the Year.
Organisations will have until November 20 to submit their entries via the Somerset Business Awards website at www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk. Full details about the launch event can be found on the Somerset Chamber of Commerce website at www.somerset-chamber.co.uk.
David Crew, Managing Director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Somerset Business Awards continue to showcase the incredible talent, innovation and resilience that exists across Somerset’s business community and voluntary sector.
“Whether you are a start-up, a growing business, an established organisation, a charity or a business leader making a real difference, the awards provide a fantastic opportunity to celebrate success, recognise achievements and raise your profile. 
“We are particularly excited to introduce new categories that reflect the ambition, leadership and innovation helping to drive Somerset forward. I would encourage organisations of all sizes to take a closer look at the categories and consider entering.
“These awards are about recognising and celebrating the people and organisations that make Somerset such a great place to do business, work and invest.”
Awards this year are:
- Small Business of the Year sponsored by CETSAT
- Medium Business of the Year sponsored by Handelsbanken
- Large Business of the Year sponsored by UCS College Group
- Albert Goodman Family Business of the Year Award
- Innovation with Impact Award sponsored by Westcotts
- Charity of the Year Award sponsored by Clarke Willmott
- Employer of the Year Award sponsored by Stephens Scown
- Investing in Somerset Award sponsored by Hinkley Point C
- Business Leader of the Year Award sponsored by Battens Solicitors
- Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by Weston College Group
- Sustainable Business of the Year Award sponsored by Agratas
- Service Excellence Award sponsored by Porter Dodson
- Manufacturing and Engineering Excellence Award sponsored by Leonardo UK
- Scale Up of the Year Award sponsored by Barclays
The awards are also supported by media sponsors Global and the Somerset County Gazette Series.
To register for the launch event, visit www.somerset-chamber.co.uk. More information about the awards can be found at www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk.
David is pictured with Mike Cahill (left), Partner at main awards’ sponsor Albert Goodman.