ENTRIES are open for the Somerset Business Awards 2023.

Judges, sponsors and former winners will lead a 'how to enter' workshop on October 19 to give would-be entrants an insight into what makes an entry potentially award-winning.

They will also be able to hear about a new award for 2023 – Apprentice of the Year – and the criteria for the small, medium and large business of the year categories.

The accolades are the county’s prestigious annual awards and are organised by Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

They are free to enter and businesses do not need to be a chamber member to take part. Accountancy firm Albert Goodman is again the main sponsor, with the awards culminating in a gala final on March 24.

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

“Over our many years as main sponsor, we’ve seen some excellent businesses enter the awards and then go on to even greater things. Entering the awards is a great chance to boost your profile, boost staff morale and ultimately boost your business.”

Businesses have until November 25 to submit their entries via www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk and details of the ‘how to enter’ the online workshop are at www.somerset-chamber.co.uk/.

Emma Rawlings, chief executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “I'm grateful for the sponsorship of so many of Somerset’s leading businesses who, like me, are keen to celebrate Somerset’s incredible business community, especially when so many are working exceptionally hard to tackle today’s challenging business conditions.

“The Somerset Business Awards covers all business sectors across a wide range of categories and I would encourage all local businesses to enter the awards to share their own success stories and celebrate their achievements.”

Awards this year are:

•Small Business of the Year (turnover up to £0.5 million) sponsored by Enterprise South West;

•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 Brook Financial;

•Albert Goodman Family Business of the Year Award;

•Best Use of Technology Award sponsored by Porter Dodson;

•Charity of the Year Award sponsored by Clarke Willmott;

•Employer of the Year sponsored by Elite Staffing Solutions;

•Investing in Somerset Award sponsored by Hinkley Point C;

•Start-up of the Year Award sponsored by Teapot Creative;

•Apprentice of the Award (new award) sponsored by Weston College;

•Environmental Achievement Award sponsored by Gravity;

•Service Excellence Award sponsored by Stephens Scown;

•Somerset Manufacturer and Producer Award sponsored by SRD Technology UK;

•Rebuild and Thrive Award sponsored by Barclays UK.

“We would also like to thank our media sponsors Newsquest and the Somerset County Gazette Series and Global,” added Mrs Rawlings.