Shropshire Business Awards deadline nears

The annual ceremony, held by Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, takes place at Telford's International Centre on June 23.

And the deadline for entries to the annual ceremony arrives on Friday, leaving businesses with only a few days to stand a chance of playing a part in the ceremony.

Chamber chief executive Richard Sheehan said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business within the Shropshire business community, and in many cases to demonstrate confidence in the staff that have built a business.

"We recognise everything from smaller businesses to online businesses, apprentices to international trade activity, and there's something for everybody in there to get involved with.

"History is telling us that those companies that get involved benefit from not only the experience of submitting an application, but by being shortlisted in a very competitive environment.

"The visits add value to the businesses, and gives businesses a chance to test themselves against the marketplace."

This year's ceremony will see more than 600 people come together at The International Centre for the celebration event.

Along with this week's Shropshire Star Excellence In Business Awards, it is one of two major ceremonies throwing a spotlight on the cream of the county's business crop.

The guest speaker will be Bridgnorth-based Steve Smith, the founder of discount retailer Poundland.

Mr Sheehan added: "The night promises to be a dazzling showcase of business success where people come together to meet old friends and colleagues, create new relationships and collectively celebrate all that's good about Shropshire and its business community.

"Steve Smith comes with a strong reputation and a local background and I'm sure it will be a really interesting and exciting evening for everybody who comes along."

In total 12 categories are up for grabs at this year’s ceremony, including sector-specific categories such as Manufacturing Excellence and Travel, Tourism & Hospitality, through to the key Company of the Year Award, which recognises the county’s best overall business of the last 12 months.

This will mark the 17th year of the business awards. Last year’s Company of the Year award winner was Tenbury Wells-based Orchard Valley Foods.

Entries for the awards close on Friday, May 5. For details visit shropshirebusinessawards.co.uk