THE 2018 Local Business Charity Awards have been launched for the fifth time in Gloucestershire.

The awards, which were founded by Jelf in 2014, recognise the support given by Gloucestershire businesses and individuals to Gloucestershire charities.

The awards, which are free to enter, are now open for entries from charities nominating the Gloucestershire businesses who support them: www.localbusinesscharityawards.co.uk/gloucestershire

As in previous years there will be three awards, the Jelf Award, the Ageas Award and an Individual Award.

Entries will be accepted for the Jelf Award from charities who have an income of over £200,000.

Entries will be accepted for the Ageas Award from charities with an income of less than £200,000.

Nominating charities must have their head office in Gloucestershire and do at least 80 percent of their work in the county and for the benefit of the county’s residents.

Charities who nominate the eventual winners of the Jelf and Ageas awards will receive a £1,000 donation each from the sponsors. The winner of the Individual Award will win a £300 weekend away.

Louise Bruce, organiser of the awards said: "Over the past five years we have learned a lot about the charities in Gloucestershire and the incredible work they do, we also discovered there are many charities who still need support from the business community but don’t have the time, skills or advertising budget to ask for it.

We hope to show through this campaign that ‘support’ does not have to automatically mean ‘fundraising’.

"Companies who have never supported a charity before can be reassured they don’t have to raise thousands of pounds or run marathons to support a charity, they could just lend them a room in their office to hold their board meetings or help them to use a specific software package or give them advice on IT security or any number of everyday business-related issues."

To sign up to the campaign visit the website and fill in the form.

Entry to the awards is free and the closing date for entries is Friday July 27.

Finalists will be announced on Monday August 13.

Finalists will be invited to attend the finals of the awards on Thursday September 6.

For further information and to enter the awards visit www.localbusinesscharityawards.co.uk