THE 2018 Somerset Business Awards is open for entries.

The event was launched at a black-tie cocktail reception at the Castle Hotel in Taunton and is now looking for the best of business to put themselves forward in a host of categories.

Also revealed at the event was the host of this year’s awards ceremony - Somerset cricketer Peter Trego.

The all rounder played his first senior games for Somerset County Cricket Club in 1997 and has gone on to score more than 17,000 runs and take more than 600 wickets.

“I’m honoured to be involved in this year’s Somerset Business Awards,” he said. “Already I’ve been impressed with the wide range of interesting businesses that call Somerset home, and it’s great to see businesses doing so well in the county that I love.

“It’s a really exciting time in my life, transitioning out of sport and into the business world and I’m really looking forward to seeing the best of Somerset’s businesses at the awards evening in October.”

The Somerset Business Awards are free to enter for all Somerset-based companies, who have until Friday, August 31 to submit their nominations.

Somerset Chamber of Commerce organises the event, and head of chamber services, Alistair Tudor, officially opened the awards.

“This is our 14th year and we are constantly delighted, amazed and enthused with the strength and variety of businesses from across the region,” he said.

“Past entrants have seen terrific results for their businesses and each year, feedback has shown that being a finalist and winning a Somerset Business Award is something for the whole organisation to be enormously proud of.”

Somerset County Gazette:

Judging takes place between September 3 and 21 and culminates with a spectacular black-tie ceremony, taking place on Friday, October 19 at Wellsprings Leisure Centre in Taunton – where more than 400 VIP guests will celebrate outstanding businesses in Somerset.

Follow the awards Twitter via @SomBizAwards for all the latest news and updates with #SBA2018. To find out more and to submit nominations, log on to www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk.