Time running out to enter business 'Oscars'

They’ve become known as the ‘Oscars’ of the local economy – and this year’s Shropshire Business Awards look set to be another sparkling occasion.

Time is running out to enter this year's competition run by Shropshire Chamber of Commerce . . . the closing date is today.

Chamber chief executive Richard Sheehan said: “Over the last 17 years of these ceremonies, it has become very clear that it’s not just about businesses being recognised as success stories – it’s about business owners recognising the success that their employees bring. We urge every Shropshire business to get involved.”

This year’s award categories include Company of the Year, Customer Service, Online Business, Technology Enterprise and Innovation, Best Small Business, Best New Business, Travel Tourism and Hospitality, Business In The Community, Apprenticeships, International Trade, and Manufacturing Excellence.

For a third year, there will also be a special award named after the late Chamber president John Clayton, which will be presented to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the Shropshire business community.

Entries for the 2017 Shropshire Business Awards are now open, and close on Friday May 5. Shortlisted companies will be visited by the judging panel during week commencing May 22, and the winners will be announced at a glittering black-tie ceremony at Telford's International Centre on June 23

The Shropshire Business Awards is backed by a string of top-name businesses and organisations, including Shropshire Council, Telford & Wrekin Council, Telford College of Arts and Technology, Barclays, TTC Group, Global Freight, Rockford IT, Good 2 Great, Rybrook Shrewsbury, the University of Wolverhampton, Lanyon Bowdler, E-Careers, Nick Jones Wealth Planning . . . and Shropshire Business magazine.

Find out everything you need to know about the 2017 Shropshire Business Awards at the award website

 Picture: Shropshire Chamber trio Rachel Owen, Teresa Rowe, Ruth Ross promoting the 2017 awards