Deadline draws near for entries

The closing date to enter Ayrshire’s prestigious Business Awards is fast approaching. Companies have until next week to get their act together and throw their hat in the ring for the event, run by the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce. Whether you’re a sole trader who has launched a new product or opened a new shop, an expanding SME with an innovative design, or a company that provides unsurpassed customer service, all Ayrshire businesses are enocuraged to enter. Applications are open to all Ayrshire- based businesses and nonAyrshire- based Ayrshire Chamber members, and entries are free. Companies can enter up to two of the 12 categories on the night where the cream of the crop will be crowned winners. Val Russell, Chamber CEO, said: “Ayrshire has so many hidden gems in the business world and we want to expose, celebrate and recognise them.” The awards ceremony will be held at Ayr Racecourse on Friday, October 12 with this year’s host Elaine C Smith. To book visit www. ayrshirechamber. org/ events. Businesses have until 5pm on Wednesday, 18 July to submit their completed application forms. This year’s awards include Growth Business of the Year ( sponsored by GSK), Ayrshire Food & Drink Award ( sponsored by East Ayrshire Council) and Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce Award ( sponsored by 1825 Financial Planning). To apply now, request an application pack by emailing awards@ entourageuk. com.