SALISBURY Cathedral will be the venue for the city’s most prestigious business awards in 2015.

In a move seen to reflect its increasing engagement with the local business community, the Dean and Chapter of The Cathedral have agreed to allow the Salisbury branch of The Federation of Small Businesses to host the Salisbury and South Wilts Business of the Year event inside the 750-year-old building.

There was careful consideration before the decision was made, but it was thought particularly apt during the Magna Carta 800 anniversary year.

Ceri Hurford-Jones, managing director of Spire FM, said: “I am sure our wonderful cathedral will provide a perfect setting for an event that recognises all that is good in business across the region, at a time when the cathedral will be at the centre of the Magna Carta anniversary celebration events.

“This really is an indication of the significance of the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Business of the Year Awards and an achievement for all those involved in creating these amazing awards.”

More than 900 businesses will be receiving details of the awards during January and February.

This will be followed by the official launch in March.

The closing date for entries will be on April 24, with judging then getting under way.

As with previous years, all the entrants will receive a visit from a member of the judging panel, including a team from the Journal, who take a careful look at the criteria and compare them with the qualities of each business.

The awards themselves will be presented on the evening of Thursday, June 25.

Last year’s awards were held at Salisbury City Hall.