Companies, charities and organisations have just over a month left to enter the Somerset Business Awards 2024, which honour the very best of the county's businesses, from small start-ups to large-scale employers and from engineering pioneers to high-flying apprentices.

The awards, which are organised annually by Somerset Chamber of Commerce, are now in their 19th year and are the only business awards to cover all sectors across the whole county.

The 2024 awards include 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 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 is the main sponsor, with the awards culminating in a gala final on March 22 next year.

Emma Rawlings, Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: "Somerset is home to scores of innovative businesses and what better way to celebrate them than by being named as a winner of a prestigious Somerset Business Awards 2024?

"Taking part is a great way to raise your profile, engage your staff and celebrate your achievements. There are 14 award categories, covering businesses, individuals and charities - there really is something for everyone."

Businesses have until midday on November 24, 2023, to submit their entries via the Somerset Business Awards website at www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk.

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