THE Somerset Business Awards are back and were officially launched on Thursday, June 4.

Returnign for an 11th year, an array of influential business people from across the county launched the awards at the Somerset in Business conference, held at Junction 24.

This year, the Somerset Business Awards will feature a new award – the Somerset Manufacturer Award – which will celebrate and showcase the most innovative and agile manufacturing business in the county.

Alongside the new award, organisers also introduced new sponsors for 2015 – Monahans, sponsoring the Somerset Manufacturer Award, Elite Staffing Solutions, sponsoring the Service Excellence Award and Somerset College, sponsoring the Skills for Growth Award.

The awards culminate with a spectacular ceremony, taking place on Friday, October 23 at the Wellsprings Leisure Centre, in Taunton, which has the capacity for more than 400 VIP business people to celebrate outstanding business in Somerset.

Neil Murphy, the new CEO of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce – organisers of the awards – said: “We are thrilled to launch this year’s Somerset Business Awards, which have become highly coveted and extremely popular over recent years.

"The growth of Somerset’s economy means we can continue to add new awards and welcome new sponsors each year, which is fantastic.

"The awards celebrate Somerset’s business excellence and provide a first class opportunity for entrants to showcase what they do best.”

Sponsored by a variety of Somerset businesses from the county’s vibrant business community, including main sponsor Albert Goodman, the Somerset Business Awards recognise and celebrate Somerset’s outstanding and diverse businesses.

Albert Goodman’s managing partner, David Griffin, sais: “The Somerset Business Awards have risen in prestige year on year, and provide a real sense of achievement to those who take part.

"I strongly urge all local businesses to enter, not just for the business benefits but also for the boost in staff morale and pride.

"Albert Goodman is proud to be part of the Somerset business community and to support the Awards for six consecutive years. We wish all entrants the very best of luck.”

Somerset businesses have a choice of 14 award categories to enter, with the winners of the Somerset Business Awards enjoying great recognition for their work and experiencing a welcome boost in business.

Also in attendance was financial commentator Justin Urquhart Stewart, who sais: “The most important thing in business is to create enthusiasm and confidence, and that is exactly what the Somerset Business Awards do.

"The best way to promote your business is to enter the Somerset Business Awards and if possible win, because you will have the respect of competitors, and your staff and customers will love it.”

The Awards are free to enter and businesses must nominate themselves. To enter and for further information, please visit www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk. The Awards will officially close for entries on Friday, August 21, at 5pm.

Follow @SomBizAwards on Twitter for all the latest news and updates, using #SBA2015.

Photo caption: (Top right) The Somerset Business Awards 2015 sponsors.

(Bottom left) L – R: David Griffin, Managing Partner at Albert Goodman, Justin Urquhart Stewart and Neil Murphy, CEO of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

Full list of awards categories and sponsors:

Award                                                             Sponsor

Albert Goodman Family Business                  Albert Goodman LLP
of the Year Award                                                                  

Business of the Year 1-10                              Yeovil College

Business of the Year 11-25                            A.C. Mole & Sons

Business of the Year 26-50                            EDF Energy

Business of the Year 51+                               Higos Insurance Services Ltd

Charity of the Year Award                              Clarke Willmott LLP

Environmental Award                                     Porter Dodson

International Trade Award                             Foot Anstey LLP

Marketing & Promotion Award                       ADPR Ltd

New Business of the Year Award                   Glyder Ltd

Somerset Manufacturer Award                      Monahans

Service Excellence Award                             Elite Staffing Solutions

Skills for Growth Award                                  Somerset College

Young Business Employee of the Year          Jobseekers Recruitment Services Ltd

Award                            

Media sponsors                                               Newsquest and Heart FM