The search for the winners of Ely Business Awards 2017 is underway so now is a good time to remind all our local firms and entrepreneurs of the benefits of entering these prestigious accolades.

Ely Standard: Flashback to East Cambridgeshire Business Awards 2016Flashback to East Cambridgeshire Business Awards 2016 (Image: Archant)

Not only is it a good opportunity to show-off all the hard work you and your staff have achieved over the past year, but it is also an ideal opportunity to network and further your business connections.

Recognition in the Ely Business Awards is a great boost for staff morale and also earns your firm lots of good publicity, showcasing the best of your business.

This is the ninth year the awards have run and every year they get bigger and better and are now widely recognised as THE awards for local enterprise.

Simply by entering you are raising the profile of your company, being shortlisted or even winning raises it still further.

Held at Ely Cathedral’s Lady Chapel on September 28, the event will recognise everything from Online Innovator of the Year to Large Business of the Year.

This year we are also introducing a brand new category: The Innovation Award, where entrants need to show how they have introduced new ideas, techniques or technology into the organisation or market place or how creative ideas are being turned into business success stories.

Gerald Carey, events and marketing manager for Archant, said: “I cannot encourage businesses enough to get involved with regional and national awards, not only is it a fantastic way of marketing your business in a cost effective way but it is also a great way to network with other like-minded businesses at the awards event and networking events.

“We pride ourselves on bringing the business communities together with our awards and it is fantastic to see so many of them develop and shine throughout the process.”

Editor of the Ely Standard, John Elworthy, said: “This is the ninth annual Ely Business Awards and every year they become more and more hotly contested. We are very proud to be involved in these awards which showcase the very best of business in our community.

“I would encourage all businesses to get involved in this highly prestigious event, which not only recognises local enterprise but is a great way of promoting your company.”

All finalists and winners mentioned not only in this paper but also online.

Award winners and finalist logos are created to be used in marketing material within your business and outside.

You can easily benchmark and promote your business against others to create a unique selling point for your company.

You can gain endorsements from business professionals through the judging process and boost staff recruitment and retention.

Entries from companies wishing to be considered for an award must be submitted by 5pm on Monday July 3. To enter or find out more visit the website: www.elybusinessawards.co.uk.