**Entry to the Burton Mail Business Awards is free; entry form can be downloaded here **
The director of the Burton Mail Business Awards has issued a plea to firms across East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire to help make the eighth year of the annual event "the best yet".
Dave Bryon revealed his phone had been ringing off the hook since the event last year with firms of all shapes and sizes interested in being part of the awards in 2017.
He said: "Every single year we are overwhelmed by the level of applications we have in from across East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire. Last year, we had an exceptional mix of up-and-coming firms to major players who have all left their mark on the area.
"Due to the major success of the awards in 2016, the phone has been ringing off the hook with people looking to find out just when they take place this year.
"We urge firms of all shapes and sizes to enter one or more of the categories to be in with a chance of winning big come the awards night."
The 2017 awards have already got off to the best possible start with all the sponsors from last year renewing their involvement, including both local councils.
Mr Bryon added: "We are once again urging businesses and organisations from all sectors and of all sizes to consider entering the awards. We are pleased to reveal two new categories – Medium Business of the Year (21 to 100 FTEs) and Leisure and Hospitality. This is to ensure that we can showcase the very best of business when it comes to East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire."
Mr Bryon is already looking forward to the gala awards ceremony on Thursday, October 19, which will be held at Burton Albion's Pirelli Stadium. He said: "We are extremely lucky to have a great set of sponsors for these awards, many of whom have been part of the event since its inception.
"I would like to say a big thank-you to all of the sponsors and every firm which enters the awards this year. The last thing I would like to say is to remind everyone that the only way to find out first who comes out on top is to get a ticket for the gala awards evening."
You can enter this year's awards here
