Thriving businesses have one month left to step into the spotlight by entering the Spirit of Enterprise Awards 2016, the most prestigious annual celebration of business excellence in the Great Yarmouth borough.

The annual awards scheme, organised by enterpriseGY, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's business support service, aims to recognise and raise the profile of top-performing firms across the borough, with finalists and winners showcased in the press and at a glittering awards ceremony at the Town Hall on Friday, November 11.

Businesses are encouraged to put themselves forward for the various awards by Friday, September 30. Now in their ninth year, the awards are free-of-charge to enter and finalists will be profiled in a supplement in the Great Yarmouth Mercury, with winners appearing in a further supplement.

For the second year, applications can be filled out and submitted online at www.soea.co.uk via a new online entry system, which makes it quicker and easier for businesses to enter multiple categories.

Each award is backed by a local organisation. Sponsors choose the winner in their category from three finalists shortlisted by a local independent panel or by the category sponsor themselves, and also benefit from publicity at the ceremony and in the newspaper supplements.

The main sponsor is again local chartered accountants, Lovewell Blake LLP, which will choose the 2016 Business of the Year from the winners of the other categories.

The categories are:

• Great Engineering/Manufacturing Award – sponsored by Great Yarmouth College

• Great Investment in Young People – sponsored by STR

• Great New Business Award – sponsored by Noritake Itron

• Great Business Idea – sponsored by EPIC International

• Great Customer Service Award – sponsored by the Greater Yarmouth Tourism & Business Improvement Area

• Great Community Contribution Award – sponsored by GYB Services Ltd

• Great International Growth Award – sponsored by P&S Personnel

• Great Family Owned Business Award – sponsored by Birketts

• Great Business Growth Award – sponsored by the Great Yarmouth Mercury

• Business of the Year – sponsored by Lovewell Blake LLP

Cllr Barry Coleman, chairman of the council's economic development committee, said: 'The Spirit of Enterprise Awards is rightly recognised as the premier business awards scheme in the borough, a fantastic showcase of successful businesses of all sizes, sectors and ages, and of the strength of the local economy.

'For the businesses themselves, having the chance to shout about and be recognised for their achievements brings important benefits, including raising their stature and reputation, and boosting staff morale. This swells confidence in the local economy, helping to create favourable conditions for investment and growth.

'A good number of applications have already been received, and there is still time to submit your applications in order to stand the chance of being crowned 2016 Business of the Year. I must also take this opportunity to thank the 2016 sponsors, without whom this wonderful celebration of business excellence would not be possible.'

Cllr Graham Plant, the council leader, said: 'The Spirit of Enterprise Awards help to highlight the borough's many and varied successful businesses, supporting one of the council's priorities, which is to work with partners to help champion and enable economic growth and job creation in the area.

'The awards scheme has grown in stature year-on-year, and I often see trophies displayed in the receptions and boardrooms of previous winners. There are so many brilliant businesses across the borough which have a lot to be proud of – I urge you all to apply and let everyone know about your achievements.'

Businesses seeking more information can visit www.soea.co.uk or call Kellie Colby, of enterpriseGY, on 01493 846632.