Entries to the 2011 Oxfordshire Business Awards are flooding in and look set to exceed last year’s record number. As the closing date of February 25 looms, a delighted awards chairman Paul Lowe says the number is currently about 20 per cent up on last year with a rush of applications expected in the last days.

He said: “It is great to see entries up for the fourth successive year and reflects the standing that the awards now have within the Oxfordshire business community.

“This year I am delighted to report that we have had a larger than average number of past finalists returning, along with entries from some of Oxfordshire’s less well-known businesses.

“For the first time entries will be further boosted by the finalists from the West Oxfordshire Awards being automatically considered, which is an exciting and new concept for us.”

The shortlisted finalists in the competition will be revealed in May when those companies and individuals will be invited to attend the awards dinner on June 17.

Mr Lowe also reports ticket sales for the event are selling quickly, thanks to a discount offer which also expires on February 25. Until then tickets cost £70 a head or £700 plus VAT for a table of ten. After this, they rise to £75 a head.

Up to 500 guests are expected to attend what is the highlight of the county’s business calendar.

n To enter or buy tickets, see the website www.oxfordshirebusinessawards.co.uk