ENVIRONMENTALLY-aware businesses in Wiltshire have a new opportunity to showcase their green credentials in the 2015 Enterprising Wiltshire Awards.

Green Business of the Year is one of two new categories introduced by the Wiltshire Business Support Service (WBSS) in this year’s awards.

The second new category is Best Product or Service.

Chris Simpson, director of business support at WBSS, said: “Green business is a theme that’s been on my mind for a while.

“Last year, one of our entrants offered a service to juice apples for local people and communities.

“It’s ideas like these, which Wiltshire seems to be particularly good at generating, that we want to show to wider market.

“In the three years since WBSS was created, we’ve helped over 3,000 Wiltshire businesses further their business plans so our team of advisers has a good feel for what’s happening in the county’s business community.

“There’s certainly a stronger sense of optimism – people are recruiting, looking for new markets, planning ahead and thinking about investment.

“Those are all good signs for our local economy, so I’m hoping to find some new and exciting business ideas in our 2015 award entries.”

There are seven categories this year: small business, exporter, young entrepreneur, manufacturer, start-up, best product or service, and green business. In addition, one of the seven finalists will be named The Enterprising Wiltshire Awards Business of the Year.

Winners of each category will receive £1,500 from Wiltshire Council.

The Business of the Year will receive an additional £500.

Businesses have until January 31 to enter at wessexchambers.org.uk.

For further information about the awards call 01225 402096.