ENTRIES are open for the Somerset Business Awards 2027.

Organised by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, the event looks to recognise the nest in the business across a range of categories, with entries welcome from across the county.

Businesses, charities and organisations are being invited to put themselves forward for recognition.

The awards were officially launched at a special event at Henlade House, near Taunton, attended by sponsors, judges and businesses keen to learn more about award categories and the entry process.

Accountancy firm Albert Goodman is returning as headline sponsor for the 17th consecutive year, and Mike Cahill, partner at the company, said: “We’re proud to be sponsoring the Somerset Business Awards again this year. It’s something we look forward to, because it gives us a genuine chance to see the scale of talent and ambition across the county, from long established firms to newer businesses just finding their feet.

“Being with you, wherever you are on your journey, is at the heart of what we do, and these awards feel like a natural extension of that. It’s not just about putting our name to an event. It’s about standing alongside the businesses we work with day in, day out, and giving proper recognition to the hard work and risk taking that often goes unseen.

“Somerset has a business community that’s honest, hardworking and full of ambition, and we’re glad to help shine a light on it.”

The awards are free to enter and businesses do not need to be members of Somerset Chamber of Commerce to take part.

David Crew, managing director of the chamber, added: “Following another fantastic launch event, we are delighted to officially open entries for the Somerset Business Awards 2027.

“These awards provide a valuable opportunity for businesses, charities and leaders across Somerset to gain recognition for their achievements, celebrate success with their teams and raise their profile among customers, suppliers and the wider business community.

“Our new categories reflect the ambition, innovation and leadership that continue to drive Somerset forward, while our established awards ensure organisations of every size and sector have the opportunity to showcase what they do best.

“I would encourage any organisation considering entering to take a look at the categories and submit an application. Every year we are inspired by the quality of entries we receive and we look forward to celebrating Somerset’s outstanding success stories once again.”

Categories at the Somerset Business Awards 2027 are:

• Small Business of the Year sponsored by CETSAT
• Medium Business of the Year sponsored by Handelsbanken
• Large Business of the Year sponsored by UCS College Group
• Albert Goodman Family Business of the Year Award
• Innovation with Impact Award sponsored by Westcotts
• Charity of the Year Award sponsored by Clarke Willmott
• Employer of the Year Award sponsored by Stephens Scown
• Investing in Somerset Award sponsored by Hinkley Point C
• Business Leader of the Year Award sponsored by Battens Solicitors
• Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by Weston College Group
• Sustainable Business of the Year Award sponsored by Agratas
• Service Excellence Award sponsored by Porter Dodson
• Manufacturing and Engineering Excellence Award sponsored by Leonardo UK
• Scale Up of the Year Award sponsored by Barclays

Organisations have until November 20 to submit their entries via the Somerset Business Awards website, at www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk.

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