FIRMS have been reminded that entries are now open for the 2018 Cherwell Business Awards.

At a launch event held at Norbar Torque Tools’ office in Banbury earlier this month businesses heard about how to sponsor, nominate or apply for awards.

Now in their seventh year, the awards serve to celebrate the capabilities of individuals and organisations working within the Cherwell district.

A new website has been designed, which organisers say makes applying easier and quicker

Speakers at the launch included director of Cherwell Business Placi Espejo, Cherwell District Council councillor Lynn Pratt and current winner Mike Hawkins, managing director of Banbury-based construction firm Hawkins Group.

Mr Hawkins spoke about what it meant to his staff to be named a winner.

This year he was winner of the Cherwell Business Awards, and a triple award winner at the Oxfordshire Business Awards in 2017.

The firm won The NatWest Large Business Award, Mr Hawkins was named the Shaw Gibbs Young Business Person of the Year, and then the company won the Darke & Taylor Business of the Year Award.

The deadline for Cherwell Business Awards applications is February 16 and winners will then be announced at the prestigious Awards Gala Dinner to be held at Heythrop Park resort on Friday, May 11.

There are nine categories and one overall winner, and the main sponsors are Cherwell District Council.

For more information, or to enter or sponsor an award, visit cherwellbusinessawards.co.uk