KEEP those entries coming in for the Trinity Mirror Cheshire Business Awards, sponsored by SAS Daniels and Click Consult, which are entering their ninth year.

Businesses from across the region can nominate themselves, or another business they know well, for an award.

The awards are open to all businesses whatever the size of trade. A full list of categories and criteria is in the panel on this page.

There are 10 categories to choose from and this week the spotlight is on the Cheshire West & Chester in association with Blue Orchid Business Start-Up award and the Employer of the Year award.

CHESHIRE WEST & CHESTER IN ASSOCIATION WITH BLUE ORCHID BUSINESS START-UP AWARD

This award is for businesses who began trading after January 1, 2010 with the winner being an entrepreneur who may have brought a fantastic new product to market, found a niche area to focus on or overcome all odds to achieve success.

Sponsors of this award Cheshire West & Chester in association with Blue Orchid said:

“Cheshire West and Chester Council in partnership with Blue Orchid the accredited provider of business start-up advice across the borough and are delighted to sponsor the business start-up category for the 2012 Business Awards.

“The skill and talent to succeed as an entrepreneur is something to be applauded and encouraged and attracting and sustaining new businesses is a key priority.

“The diversity and calibre of new businesses we encounter is testimony to this entrepreneurial culture. We aim to provide a mix of assistance to support individuals to realise their businesses ideas.

“Blue Orchid deliver a business support programme, offering one to one advice and support to eligible individuals who are considering self-employment.

“The range of support available includes business planning, financial forecasting, developing marketing strategies, finding premises and signposting to local networking opportunities.”

For more information contact:-

Blue Orchid on: 0161 485 4949 Email: startup@theblueorchid.uk or contact Cheshire West and Chester Council, Business Engagement Team Email: Business@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk. Call 01244 515561.

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

We are looking for the employers who can best demonstrate how their leadership and human resource policies support staff development, engagement and satisfaction creating a positive and supportive workplace with a well motivated and well trained team. The winner of this award will be more than just a good company to work for, their culture will deliver commercial results and they will be an inspiration to other businesses.

TO ENTER

To enter visit our website www.cheshirebusinessawards.co.uk and download an entry form, alternatively call the events team on 01244 606472 or email enquiries@cheshirebusinessawards.co.uk to request a copy. The deadline for entries is Friday, July 27.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony hosted by Lucy Meacock on Friday, October 5 at Chester Racecourse