THE deadline for this year's Oxfordshire Business Awards is approaching fast, companies have being reminded.

Oxfordshire Business Awards chairman Paul Lowe said preparations were now well under way and the deadline for applications Friday, March 17.

It is free to enter the awards and once firms have submitted their entries they will be sent a confirmation email.

Last year management consultants Newton Europe were named Business of the Year at the ceremony at the De Vere Oxford Thames hotel in Sandford-on-Thames.

This year more than 500 business leaders are due to attend the final on Friday, June 16 at the King's Centre in Osney Mead, West Oxford.

Mr Lowe said: "Entries have been coming in at an encouraging rate – there are lots of past winners and finalists entering alongside some businesses I have not previously heard of.

"At this stage it would be great to have a few more entries in the Cultural Event and Tourism Award category.

"Oxfordshire is a great county for tourism and is blessed with lots of cultural events throughout the year and with lots of tourist attractions.

"This is a broad category so it would be good if we could get some more entries – these organisations may well be extremely busy planning their events but we would urge them to come forward."

For 23 years, the Oxfordshire Business Awards has been recognising, rewarding and promoting the excellence of Oxfordshire-based companies.

Organised and supported by 12 of the county’s leading organisations, the awards are now established as a benchmark for excellence in today’s competitive business environment.

The Oxford Times is once again sponsoring the Charity and Community Award.

Last year Aspire Oxford won the category and will benefit from the proceeds of the raffle held on the night of the awards.

Based in Osney Lane, Aspire Oxford was established in 2001.

It runs its own social businesses offering management services to councils, academic institutions and private customers and creates work placements and employment opportunities for local people.

Mr Lowe added: "It has been the tradition that if you are the winner of the Charity and Community Award you are the recipient of the raffle money the following year."c

The Savills Property Award was won last year by Bicester Heritage, a centre for historic motoring and aviation.

A Bicester Heritage spokesman said: "Winning the award was like a big pat on the back and someone saying 'you know you are doing well, you are doing the right things, so keep going'.

"If you are thinking of entering, then just do it."

The Business of the Year Award is sponsored by electrical engineers Darke & Taylor.

Commercial director Simon Newton said: "To say you are an award-winning company may tip the balance and make a person come and work for you, rather than a competitor.

"It also helps when you are tendering for work. It works across the whole remit of the business.

"If you are thinking of entering for an award don’t just think about it, give it a go."

The closing date is midnight on Friday, March 17 and the deadline will not be extended.

It costs nothing to enter the awards and the only way to enter is via the website oxfordshirebusinessawards.co.uk