IMAGINE Cruising, allmanhall, Bechtle and Good Energy. Four business successes who were the toast of the 2017 Wiltshire Business Awards.

And now businesses across the town and the county have the chance to get a taste for success themselves and join the heady heights of awards success after the deadline for the 2018 awards were extended.

The Wiltshire Business Awards celebrates the achievements of Wiltshire’s large, medium and small businesses across the county in all sectors.

Pete Gavan, editor of the Swindon Advertiser, said that although just a couple of days remain, now was the time for businesses to get their nominations in. He said: “The Wiltshire Business Awards are a real highlight of the year, and we hope as many entrepreneurs and established business owners from the local community will be there on the night to celebrate with us.

“It’s always great to see such successful Swindon and Wiltshire businesses get their time in the spotlight and celebrate their achievements. These awards show how vibrant and diverse our business community is and give the winners a night to remember.

“We want to hear from business from Swindon and Wiltshire, so we can showcase the huge amount of talent that makes Swindon a real hive of thriving business activity. I wish everyone entering the very best of luck – make sure you get your entries in before the deadline!”

Among its ten categories is the brand new Corporate, Social and Environmental Responsibility Award. All entrants also gain automatic entry into the Outstanding Excellence Award, sponsored by Thrings Solicitors. Other categories include: Business Person of the Year, Learning and Development Employer of the Year, Creative Awareness, Customer and Staff Care, Medium-Sized Enterprise Award, Start Up Business of the Year, Service to the Community, and the Small Business Award.

A ‘Meet the Judges’ event will be held on February 8 at Thrings to give shortlisted businesses a chance to chat to the judges and size up the competition. The judges will then make visits to the shortlisted businesses in March and the winners will be announced at a glamorous gala ceremony at Center Parcs Longleat on April 20.

To enter, visit wiltshirebusinessawards.co.uk before Friday.