THE best and brightest of the county’s business community will come together over breakfast to launch the 24th Wiltshire Business Awards.

The breakfast launch takes place on Thursday, October 19, at Thrings Solicitors in Swindon, as the search begins for excellence and innovation across the board – from the smallest start-ups to the biggest names.

Sponsored by Thrings, Natwest, BBC Wiltshire, Mainline, The Enterprise Network, RSM, C3 Marketing, Bespoke Training Services & HR 4 Business, Wiltshire Concrete, Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Corporate Events and Center Parcs, the awards process provides a fantastic environment for firms and individuals to network and develop.

Entrants can put themselves forward for up to three categories and the breakfast launch will give them a chance to meet the judges and gain an insight into the various categories.

Darran Reynolds, head of advertising for Newsquest Wiltshire, said: “The Wiltshire Business Awards are now in their 24th year and we are immensely proud of this event, which showcases all that Wiltshire has to offer in business.

"The launch is an opportunity to find out more about entering the awards.

"Having been involved for many years, I would recommend that regardless of the size of your business, you attend to see how you can take part in this hugely-respected event.”

Darran said that without the hard work of all the sponsors and judges the process would not be possible.

There are 10 categories in this year’s awards, including start-up business, small business, medium-sized enterprise, customer and staff care, services to the community, business person of the year, learning and development employer of the year and the introduction of a brand new category, the corporate, social and environmental responsibility award.

All entrants will also be considered for the outstanding excellence award, the winner of which will be crowned Business of the Year.

Visit www.wiltshirebusinessawards.co.uk, for more information and to register your interest.