Next year’s Business Excellence Awards were launched by Salisbury Chamber of Commerce at a special event on Tuesday night.

Potential applicants were able to meet the sponsors of the event and hear about the type of awards available to apply for, how to enter them at the launch at the Stones Hotel near Amesbury.

The categories are:

Large Business of the Year Award

This award celebrates the success of a large business. This should include the growth of the business and market presence established over this time.

Small Business of the Year Award

This award celebrates the success of a small business. This should include the growth of the business and market presence established over this time.

Best Start-up/New Business Award

This award celebrates the growth and success of a business that has started and been trading for 1-3 years. This should include the growth of the business and market presence established over this time.

Visitor Experience Award

This award recognises those businesses who welcome visitors to Salisbury & surrounding areas. Whether a restaurant or attraction, those businesses who show enthusiasm for delivering the best experience for visitors can enter this category.

Service Excellence Award

This award is in recognition of companies from any sector with a genuine and innovative focus on customer experience, and customer service.

Charity and Social Enterprise Award

This category recognises the contribution made by charities and social enterprises that provide such valuable services. The award will be granted to the charities that has made the most significant difference to its target beneficiaries.

Rising Star Award

This category recognises the achievements of an individual who represents the future generation within their organisation whether part-time, full-time or an apprentice employee.

The Rising Star is an individual who has made an impact over the last year by providing a positive contribution to their team and organisation.

Sustainable Business Award

The award celebrates those businesses who have reduced the impact of their business on the environment.

Dan Rhind-Tutt, president of Salisbury Chamber, and Robin McGowan, Chief Executive of Salisbury BID, said in a joint statement: “E are proud to bring this back for its third year to celebrate the best of Salisbury businesses.

“Our launch night introduced potential applicants to sponsors, as well as hearing about the type of awards available to apply for, how to enter them and some were even able to enter on the night.

“The awards are open for Chamber and Bid members and for those that aren’t quite yet a member of either, we will also be explaining how you can get involved.

“We are so excited about what this year has to offer and will be aiming to make this bigger and better in 2024 We look forward to seeing you there.”

The Business Excellence Awards 2024 will take place at the Stones Hotel, on Friday, March 22.

For more information on the awards, go to salisburychamber.co.uk/?portfolio=business-excellence-awards-2023.