IT is time for town businesses to shine as next week sees the launch of the Taunton Deane Business Awards.

The awards are being launched on Small Business Saturday, December 5, and will feature six categories for different sized businesses.

There will be one overall winner chosen from across the categories who will receive a special commendation.

Mark Edwards, executive councillor for business development at Taunton Deane Borough Council, said: “Taunton Deane has a strong track record in growing enterprises – over 300 new businesses have been established in the borough in the past five years.”

The awards, which will be held at the Castle Hotel in June next year, were made possible by sponsorship from 13 of Taunton’s local groups. Pam Knight, spokesperson for Taunton Forward and White Knight Marketing, said: “There is far too much modesty demonstrated around our achievements and It is time for businesses within this area to have the spotlight turned on to them; a time to shine.”