BUSINESS across the county are gearing up for a prestigious annual awards evening.

Thursday, July 4 sees the return of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

More than 650 guests are welcomed to the awards, which are, sponsored by FOLK2FOLK.

Taking place at the University of Worcester Arena, professionals from across the two counties are looking forward to the black tie event to celebrate success and excellence in business.

Attendees will be greeted with a fizzy welcome drink, before being able to enjoy DRPG’s drinks bar and networking with this year’s finalists.

The evening will begin with a welcome from Sharon Smith, chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce, before comedian and host Celia Delaney takes to the stage to host the event and announce this year’s winners.

In addition to the 14 award categories, one finalist will also go on to be named Business of the Year, sponsored by FOLK2FOLK, which will crown the winner of winners for 2019.

Following the awards ceremony, guests are invited to join the Chamber and TechTeam at the official after party at Bolero Bar until late.

The 12 award categories are as follows:

l. Best Use of Technology

l. Employer of the Year

l. Excellence in Customer Service

l. Excellence in Innovation

l. Excellence in Professional Services Award

l. Exporter of the Year

l. Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace

l. High Growth Business of the Year

l. Manufacturer of the Year

l. Micro Business of the Year

l. Most Promising New Business

l. Small Business of the Year

l. NEW – E-Commerce Business of the Year

l. NEW – Family Business of the Year

A Chamber of Commerce spokesman said: "The Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone who entered the 2019 awards, with all judges commenting on the high quality of applications from all businesses."