WINNERS of the Chamber of Commerce and Business Link Business Awards 2004 will go on to a national competition and the chance of winning £25,000.

For the first time, the winners of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire awards will go on to the national finals of the British Chambers of Commerce awards.

The local Business Awards - due to be announced at the prestigious awards ceremony and dinner next month in Worcester Cathedral - recognise leading business talent across the two counties. Categories such as Business of the Year, Business Start Up, Best Family Run Business, Best Service Company and others have all already been shortlisted.

"The association with the British Chambers of Commerce national awards, in London, this November, is a very exciting one for the Herefordshire and Worcestershire winners," said Christine Jones, chief executive of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber.

"This is the launch year of the national awards, whilst here in the two counties we having been recognising high-achieving companies in this way for three years now. It can only help further boost business skills and talent locally that our winners go on to achieve possible national recognition."

For more information on tickets for the Business Awards 2004 phone Charlotte Cunningham on 0845 450 8636 or

e-mail: charlottec@

hwchamber.co.uk