The Cornwall Development Company has launched the Cornwall Business Awards 2017, and is inviting entries.

The awards are organised and presented by Cornwall Development Company (CDC) in association with Business Cornwall Magazine and the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce.

“As these awards enter their 12th year, we continue to be amazed by the creativity and ingenuity of our local business leaders," said Colin Dennis, chairman of the CDC. "Every year we uncover exciting new stories about the outstanding successes they have achieved. It is great to be able to show our appreciation for all their hard work and for the vital contribution they make to our local economy.”

Any business based in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly can enter one or more of 14 award categories, which include Best New Business and Best Family Business. Around 300 business leaders will attend the awards dinner at St Mellion International Resort on May 18.

Kim Conchie, of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, said: “One of the things I love about the Cornwall Business Awards is that they offer equal opportunities for recognition to all sizes of businesses, from small, owner-managed companies to large scale organisations. It is always really impressive on Awards Night to see the incredible range of businesses operating in Cornwall and to learn more about the talented people who run them.

“No business in Cornwall can afford to ignore the importance of these awards. So I would urge as many as possible to start preparing their entries now. Previous winners have been delighted with the publicity and prestige that winning a Cornwall Business Award has created for their company. In challenging economic times, raising your company’s profile in this way can prove to be even more valuable.”

Entries for the Cornwall Business Awards should be made online and the closing date for entries is midnight on March 12. A full list of the award categories and criteria, and an online entry form, are available at cornwallbusinessawards.co.uk.