BUSINESSES in Salisbury and district are being urged to enter this year's Chamber of Commerce and Industry's awards.

The awards will be presented at a glittering ceremony at the City Hall in Salisbury on November 9 and organisers are hoping attendance will top the record set in 2001.

Sponsors of the awards include the Salisbury Journal and Avon Advertiser, Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire, Salisbury District Council, Salisbury City Centre Partnership and radio station Spire FM.

Categories are as follows:

Employee of the year, sponsored by the Salisbury Journal, which attracts a £1,000 first prize and silver cup, with £250 for the runner-up.

Long service award, sponsored by the Avon Advertiser, for employees who have served 20 or more years. The winner will receive £250, a silver cup and a medal.

Volunteer award, sponsored by the Avon Advertiser, for charitable work. The winner will receive £250, a silver cup and medal.

Customer service of the year award, sponsored by Spire FM, the winning company receiving £500 plus a month's free advertising. The nominee receives £300.

City centre award, sponsored by Salisbury City Centre Management, for the business that has contributed most to Salisbury. The winner will receive an engraved trophy and a Christmas promotional package.

Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by Business Link. The winner will receive a business support package worth £1,000 and a silver cup.

Community initiative of the year award, sponsored by Salisbury district council, is for the best community initiative. Details of the prize in this category are yet to be announced.

Nominations marked with the category you are entering, such as Employee of the Year, should be sent by 12pm on November 1 to Salisbury & District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 22 Bedwin Street, Salisbury, SP1 3UT.