The search for the most inspirational, successful and ground-breaking businesses in the county has kicked off with the launch of the Cornwall Business Awards 2018.

Now in their 13th year, the awards champion businesses that stand out from the crowd and celebrate excellence across all business sectors, spanning everything from tourism to tech. With 14 categories to choose from they are open to businesses of all shapes and sizes and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on April 19 at St Mellion International Resort.

For the first time the awards are hosted by the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth and Skills Hub which provides an independent and impartial signposting service to help businesses grow through specialist support and training.

As well as giving the awards website a sparkling new look and revamped branding, the new organisers are busy adding to the expert panel of judges and will be working hard to ensure businesses from Saltash to St Ives have the opportunity to apply.

“We are honoured to have been handed the Cornwall Business Awards baton," said Stu Anderson, operations director of the Growth and Skills Hub. "They have gone from strength to strength and to now be in their 13th year demonstrates the importance they play in shining the spotlight on Cornwall success stories.

“The awards are an exciting highlight of Cornwall Business Week which, in a change from previous years, will take place from 16 to 20 April, a whole month earlier than usual. Businesses have six weeks to get their entries in and we look forward to receiving them from applicants both new and old.”

It is completely free to enter and applications are invited until the deadline of February 16. Everything is online and businesses can enter as many categories as are relevant. For more information visit cornwallbusinessawards.com.