Some of the county’s most successful entrepreneurs gathered to celebrate the launch of the Oxfordshire Business Awards 2012.

More than 70 guests gathered to mark the occasion at Blenheim Palace to kick off the 18th year of the competition following another record year in 2011.

Judith Coles and Sarah Green of Milton Park-based educational software firm RM Education, based in Milton Park, were invited after winning the B-Line Customer Care Award at this year’s ceremony in June. Company founder Michael O’Regan also won the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ms Green said: “RM has its roots in Oxfordshire and we were really proud to be involved.

“We are interested in celebrating with the local community and are looking at other categories to enter again for next year.”

James Woollard, managing director of Witney-based polythene broker Polythene UK, won the Blue by Darbys New Business Award this year and was shortlisted in another two categories. He is also a past winner of the Young Business Person of the Year category.

He said: “The awards show our customers we are doing well and have helped our name become well known.”

The winner of The Oxford Times Charity and Commnunity Award, Charlbury-based SpecialEffect, has had a hugely successful year, also winning a West Oxfordshire Business Award.

Spokesman Alison Hilborne said entering the awards had led to the organisation, which provides video game technology for people with severe disabilities, forming productive relationships with the business community.

She added: “It has been an amazing year — the awards have meant our profile has gone through the roof.”

The Shaw Gibbs Young Business Person of the Year, Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas, said the awards had been excellent for the profile of the club.

He added: “Winning was a very proud moment for me personally and as a club we really enjoy the interaction with the business community.”

The Blenheim Palace Business Person of the Year, Paul Lindley, founder of Henley-based organic baby food business Ella’s Kitchen, added: “To be recognised by the Oxfordshire business community was very humbling. We employ 45 people from Oxfordshire and I am proud of the recognition they have received.”

The launch was attended by new sponsors including Oxford-based estate agent Carter Jonas which is backing a new Export category, Hayes Recruitment which is behind the Customer Care category, business park operator Jennings which is supporting a new Ethical award and the 2011 Oxfordshire Business of the Year, international Land Rover parts and accessories specialist Allmakes 4X4 based in Milton Park which is sponsoring the overall award for next year.

• To enter the 2012 Oxfordshire Business Awards, see the website www.oxfordshirebusinessawards.co.uk All entries must be received by March 2 2012.