ENTRIES are now coming in for the South Wiltshire Business of the Year awards, which will be presented at a ceremony in Salisbury next month.

Organised by the Federation of Small Businesses, the awards are now in their fourth year and this time feature two extra categories.

As well as the categories for businesses with a turnover of more than £500,000 and less than £500,000, there are awards for the best new business and training excellence.

The aim is to recognise the achievements of local businesses, their contribution to the community, customer care and plans for the future.

Last year's winners were Capelli Hair & Beauty in the smaller turnover category and RecommIT in the larger turnover category.

Both have told the Journal of their experience of further success since winning the awards.

The Learning & Skills Council and Business Link have joined existing sponsors the FSB, accountants Hugh Davies and Co and Spire FM.

Peter Beck, chairman of the FSB in Salisbury, said that in the four years the competition had been running, it had grown to be one of the premier business events of the Salisbury calendar.

What had impressed him most was the range of companies putting themselves forward for the awards.

"We've received entries from businesses as diverse as web designers, dry cleaners, letting agents and lifestyle coaches," he said.

"And with four different awards up for grabs this year, firms stand a good chance of being short listed.

"We are looking for teamwork, evidence that the business is well planned, and commitment to improvement."

Hugh Davies, one of last year's judges, said those who entered last year and did not win still gained a lot from the exercise.

"We would encourage them to enter again," he said.

Martin Tallent, business adviser with Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire, said these awards recognised that a business involves a team of people.

He added that entrants could log onto his organisation's website, www.blbw.co.uk, and fill in the application form online.

"It's a very simple form and will only take a short time," he said.

The closing date for entries is May 31 and the awards ceremony will take place at the White Hart Hotel on June 11.