THIS year's South Wiltshire Business of the Year awards are being launched in Salisbury later this month.

The launch ceremony takes place on April 19 at the White Hart Hotel.

The awards, now in their eighth year, are open to every business trading in the area. Last year, 58 businesses entered, ranging in size from those with one employee to 300.

This year's prize fund totals £15,000 and includes advertising on Spire FM and training packages from TABS Training.

The categories are: nThe FSB new business award nThe TABS Training excellence award nThe Old George Mall retailer of the year award nThe Business Link business of the year (less than £500,000 per annum turnover).

n The Solstice Park business of the year (more than £500,000 per annum turnover).

Ceri Hurford-Jones, station director of Spire FM and chairman of the judging panel, said: "As a local business ourselves, we positively encourage local competitiveness and the achievement of excellence within our own organisation.

"To be able to offer more than £15,000 worth of prizes again this year is fantastic and we would like to wish all the entrants the very best of luck."

Last year's winner of the new business award was InSitu Care, of Salisbury - a care agency that helps elderly and disabled people stay in their own homes. It was singled out by the judges for its high level of customer care.

The training excellence award was picked up by Independent Living Solutions, of Wilton, which provides occupational therapy for adults and children. The company had moved premises because of demand for its services, but, in spite of this, had not neglected its training.

No stranger to awards ceremonies, Neal's Yard Remedies was voted retailer of the year.

This business was said to be not only enthusiastic about its products, but about Salisbury as well.

The best of the businesses with a turnover of less than £500,000 was accountant Hugh Davies & Co. It was praised for its business culture, which encourages communication at all levels.

Revive Vending, of Downton, was judged the best of the businesses, with a turnover of more than £500,000.

It had recognised the trend for healthy eating in businesses and schools and had developed a niche market for supplying them with healthy products.

The registration form to enter the 2007 awards can be downloaded at www.spirefm.co.uk and the awards ceremony will take place on July 12.