The categories

Small Business of the Year

Open to companies with up to 75 full-time employees, this award will recognise a business that has managed to do big things despite its small size.

New Business of the Year, sponsored by Millennium Point

This award is for any business that is up to three years old - and will go to a company that can demonstrate impressive success in a short time and the ambition to do even better.

Manufacturing Business of the Year

This category is designed to recognise manufacturing companies that have stayed true to the manufacturing traditions of Birmingham - boosting the local economy and producing only the highest-quality products.

Covid Defiance Award

The Covid Defiance Award will celebrate the ability of businesses to adapt to new and difficult situations and thrive. The company this award goes to may have taken the pandemic as a chance to innovate, expanded despite the circumstances, or persevered in another way.

Professional Services Firm of the Year

This award will go to a company that has strived to produce the best results for its clients, across a variety of areas. Be it in service excellence, business growth, innovation, technology, training and personal development - or another area - this category is for companies that set goals and reach them with professionalism and high-quality work.

Property and Construction Business of the Year

Open to any business that deals with property and construction estate management, building companies, property developers, and others - this award will go to a company that aims big and builds bigger.

Third Sector Organisation of the Year, sponsored by InYourArea

Celebrating those organisations that put compassion and charity at the forefront of what they do, this award will go to a third-sector organisation - be it charity, hospice, non-profit - that went above and beyond to help those who needed it.

CSR Project of the Year, sponsored by Barclays

Designed to recognise companies with a socially responsible perspective, the CSR Project of the Year award will go to a business that has carried out one or more projects designed to help the local community.

Green Business of the Year

Environmental responsibility is vital for businesses nowadays - and this award will recognise a company that has shown real, concrete efforts to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable in its operations.

International Trade and Export Award

Export can be integral to the success of some companies, helping them to expand and thrive. This award will go to a business that has managed to improve its international reach and significantly increase its exports over the last year.

Young Businessperson of the Year, sponsored by Birmingham Metropolitan College

Designed to recognise a businessperson that has made a big impact despite their young age, this category is open to those under 35 - be they business owner or employee - who feels that they excelled last year.

Company of the Year (chosen from other category winners)

The winner of this award will be chosen from the winners of the other categories - and recognise a truly worthy organisation.

How to enter

■ The deadline to enter the awards is April 19 and the online ceremony takes place on June 15.

■ Visit www.bpbusinessawards. co.uk to read the entry criteria and submit a nomination.

■ For more information and to learn about sponsorship opportunities email paige.jackson@reachplc. com.