Is your business the best in the borough?

The Newham Chamber of Commerce is looking to highlight the successes and achievements of companies and the people who work for them at the annual business awards.

The entry period runs until the end of August, with judges then selecting the winners in 13 different categories before they are announced at a ceremony in October.

Now in its third year, the awards recognise the smallest of businesses - the sole trader/micro business of the year category is only open for those employing no more than five people - as well as the biggest.

There are also categories that recognise civic and community engagement, training and development and environmentally friendly practices.

Individual awards include the young entrepreneur of the year award, open to those under 30, and the business person of the year.

The latter is being sponsored by Canary Wharf Group, and Glen Addis, director of its local enterprise arm East London Business Place, encouraged businesses to get involved.

He said: “We pride ourselves on the work we do to provide free business support and supply-chain brokerage to Newham’s burgeoning SME business community, and firmly believe that opportunities like this celebrate not only the success of the winners, but also the hard work that all Newham’s entrepreneurs put in all throughout the year.”

“Sponsorship of this awards to us truly demonstrates our commitment to providing long-lasting business support relationships with Newham’s fantastic talent pool.”

He added: “I would suggest that you think very carefully about the award (or awards) that you are applying for, and make sure that you fully meet the brief when you enter, rather than try a one-size-fits-all generic application.

“Treat the application as you would when applying for a works or contract opportunity, and go for quality rather than quantity in your responses.”

The ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 4 at the Old Town Hall, Stratford.

For more information and to enter for free, visit newhamchamber.com and return the application form by Friday, August 31.