THE hunt is on for Worcestershire’s most successful entrepreneurs and start up businesses, as nominations for the Worcestershire Business Awards have opened.

A free event for local companies, the awards have been established as part of the Enterprising Worcestershire Business Support Programme to recognise the hard work, dedication and commitment of individual entrepreneurs and also provide firms with the chance to showcase their success.

There are six categories, new start up, high street, growth business most innovative, create business and ethical business.

A shortlist of three finalists in each award category will be announced on October 13 and the public will then be asked to vote for the winner with voting open until 5pm on Friday ,October 31. The awards ceremony will take place at Sixways Stadium, Worcester on Wednesday, November 19 from 5pm to 9pm.

David Smith, Enterprising Worcestershire programme manager, said: “We are delighted to be launching these new business awards in partnership with business support provider Blue Orchid. Not only will they give us the opportunity to celebrate the success of local new businesses, but will also give them the chance to showcase their products or services, network with other companies and build customer trust in their organisation.”

Catherine Bray, Blue Orchid area manager, added: “ We have already supported more than 1000 individuals and new businesses in the Worcestershire area and these Awards will provide the perfect opportunity for these businesses to showcase their success. We hope the Awards will encourage and inspire those who maybe thinking of starting a new businesses or becoming self-employed to seek the free expert knowledge, support and advice available through the Enterprising Worcestershire programme.”

Keynote speaker at the awards will be David Hyner, director of Stretch Development Ltd, a research based training provider to the corporate and education sectors and home of professional speakers for events.

All businesses trading in Worcestershire for less than two years are eligible to be nominated in the awards and more information on the categories can be found at www.blueorchid.co.uk/Worcestershire-Business-Awards. In addition, up to 25 businesses can take up the free offer of taking a stand within the ‘Marketplace’ area on the night of the Awards.