SALISBURY and District Chamber of Commerce & Industry is urging firms to enter for next year’s Business Excellence Awards.

The 2010 awards will be handed out at the President’s Dinner at Salisbury Arts Centre on February 12.

There are eight categories: Marketing Excellence, Customer Service of the Year, Green Business of the Year, Outstanding Business of the Year, Business Commitment to the Community, Trainee/Apprentice of the Year, Tourism & Hospitality, and Innovation (product and/or service).

Chamber executive officer Loretta Lupi-Lawrence said: “Entering your business into the awards gives you a chance to look at your business plans and see an overview of your business in a different light – like a mini business MoT.

“I recommend you enter as I feel businesses deserve to be recognised for all the work put into making business successful, especially in view of the climate we’ve been through recently.

“You’ve got nothing to lose.”

The deadline for entering the awards is January 22, but those needing advice before entering, can fill in an expression of interest form now.

The chamber will then talk through the criteria with the business to establish the most appropriate award or awards to enter.