ONE of the area's major business events takes place later this week when the annual Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards are presented.

Nearly 450 delegates from across the two counties will descend on West Midland Safari Park at Bewdley on Thursday, June 11 for an international trade themed evening of glamour and entertainment, high-profile speakers, and recognition of some of the brightest and best businesses around.

On hand to see the winners of the 11 categories will be minister for business, innovation and skills Sajid Javid. The Bromsgrove MP will also deliver an address into the importance of exporting, both for businesses and the local and national economy.

Chamber chief executive Mike Ashton said: “As an organisation dedicated to representing local business, we see firsthand on a daily basis the incredible success stories local companies achieve. The awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise a very small amount of these, helping to raise business profiles in the process.”

Categories at the Business Awards – which are now in their 14th year - include exporter of the year, entrepreneur of the year, small business of the year, commitment to supporting health and wellbeing in the workplace, the sustainability award, and the end of evening prize of business of the year.

Finalists have gone through a rigorous application process to reach the final stages of the wards, with a written application supplemented by an extensive phone interview and short listing process. All of the hard work will pay off for the successful businesses, as many will be automatically entered into the regional finals of the Chamber Business Awards, with winners then reaching the glittering British Chambers of Commerce Awards in London.