SOME of the region’s most innovative and dynamic businesses will come together to celebrate their successes tomorrow night as the Wiltshire Business of the Year Awards take place at Center Parcs in Longleat Forest.

Considered to be the most prestigious business awards in the county, there are eight categories up for grabs including Business Person of the Year, Service to the Community and Outstanding Excellence.

Now in its 22nd year, the Wiltshire Business of the Year Awards have been developed by Newsquest Wiltshire, which owns The Wiltshire Times, Gazette & Herald and Swindon Advertiser titles, to recognise outstanding organisations above the rest.

Louise Cooper, Newsquest’s business development manager, said she was impressed to see the most entries submitted in the last eight years.

She added: “For the first time this year, we will celebrate and recognise start-up businesses because there are so many new ones that have been founded within the last two years in Wiltshire and we want the chance to give them a voice and have their successes recognised.”

More than 50 businesses have submitted 107 entries into the categories – each having the backing of different sponsors including Thrings Solicitors, Wiltshire College, Mainline Employment Limited, BBC Wiltshire, Baker Tilly and NatWest.

As an added bonus to this year’s event, visitors will be able to bid on an auction in association with Wadworth Brewery to design and create their own beer with all proceeds being donated to the Gazette & Herald’s 200th anniversary appeal to raise £100,000 for Julia’s House.

Gary Lawrence, Newsquest regional editor for Oxford and Wiltshire, added: “Our awards night is always a wonderful occasion and I’m sure this year’s won’t be any different. There will be more people than ever before at Center Parcs and with a new award up for grabs, and lots of new faces among the nominees, it should be an exciting evening.

“I’m really pleased that we’ll be raising money for Julia’s House, the recipient of the Gazette & Herald’s 200 Appeal. I know all of our guests will give generously.

“Thanks to all of our sponsors for making this all happen. I hope they, and our nominees, have a memorable time.”

Winners at the black tie awards ceremony will be announced live on the Wiltshire Times, Gazette & Herald and Swindon Advertiser websites on the night.