Somerset Business Awards 2024, which are now open for entries. There is no charge to take part and it is open to all businesses and charities within the administrative boundaries of Somerset and North Somerset. 

THE 19th annual Somerset Business Awards have been officially launched at a reception for judges, sponsors and would-be winners at Hurds Hill, near Langport.

Guests were able to find out more about the awards, the new sponsors and new categories, including a new Business Resilience and Growth Award to recognise businesses which, despite the soaring costs of doing business, have reinvented their offering to go from strength-to-strength.

There is also a new-look Manufacturing and Engineering Award, together with awards for the Best Use of Digital Technology and Environmental and Sustainability.

The awards are the county's biggest and most prestigious annual business awards and are organised by Somerset Chamber of Commerce to 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. Once again, leading accountancy firm Albert Goodman will be the main sponsor, with the awards culminating in a gala final on March 22 next year.

Mike Cahill, a Partner at Albert Goodman, said: "The Somerset Business Awards are a brilliant opportunity to showcase everything that is fantastic about your business.

"This is our fourteenth year as main sponsor and we have seen some excellent businesses enter the awards and then go on to even greater things. The awards are a fantastic celebration of the very best of Somerset business, and entering is a great chance to boost your profile, boost staff morale and ultimately boost your business."

To help businesses and organisations, there will be online 'how to enter' event on Wednesday, October 11, from 2pm to 3pm, with judges and past winners on-hand to pass on their top tips for success.

Businesses have until midday on November 24 to submit their entries via the Somerset Business Awards website at www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk. Full details of the 'how to enter' online workshop can be found on Somerset Chamber of Commerce's website at https://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk/.

Emma Rawlings, Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: "There are 14 categories which cover all sectors and sizes of businesses and charities. Taking part is a great way to raise your profile, engage your staff and celebrate your achievements.

"As always, I am grateful for the sponsorship of so many of Somerset's leading businesses who, like me, are keen to celebrate our incredible business community."

Awards this year are:

· Small Business of the Year (turnover up to £0.5 million) sponsored Gather Technology Ltd

· Medium Business of the Year (turnover up to £6 million) sponsored by Higos Insurance Services

· Large Business of the Year (turnover over £6 million) sponsored by Stephens Scown

· Albert Goodman Family Business of the Year Award

· Best Use of Digital Technology Award sponsored by Teapot Creative

· Charity of the Year Award sponsored by Clarke Willmott

· Employer of the Year sponsored by Blossom HR

· Investing in Somerset Award sponsored by Hinkley Point C

· Start-up of the Year Award sponsored by Westcotts

· Apprentice of the Award sponsored by Weston College

· Environmental and Sustainability Award sponsored by Gravity

· Service Excellence Award sponsored by Porter Dodson

· Somerset Manufacturing and Engineering Award sponsored by Leonardo UK

· Business Resilience and Growth Award sponsored by Barclays UK

The Somerset Business Awards 2024 media sponsors are Newsquest and the Somerset County Gazette Series and Global.

The Somerset Business Awards 2024 judges and sponsors - from left (back) Evelyn Adfield of Porter Dodson, Andy Cockcroft of Hinkley Point C, Paul Lowndes of Gravity, David Collins of Global, Dave Crew of Weston College, Kirill Bingham of Clarke Willmott, Jeremy Holland of Hinkley Point C, Stephen Wray of Stephens Scown, Rosie Wicks of Blossom HR, Nick Porter of Barclays, Kelly Davies of Westcotts and Sarah Emmerson of Gather Technology; (front) Karen Paxton of Teapot Creative, Emma Rawlings of Somerset Chamber of Commerce and Mike Cahill of Albert Goodman. Not pictured are sponsors Higos Insurance and Leonardo UK.