ENTRIES open next month for the Somerset Business Awards 2025, the biggest county-wide business awards — celebrating the best of Somerset’s wide range of companies, charities and organisations.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the awards, organised annually by Somerset Chamber of Commerce. Leading accountancy firm, Albert Goodman, is once again the main sponsor.

The awards will officially open on Wednesday, September 11, with a special event at The Mount Somerset, near Taunton, where would-be entrants will be able to meet sponsors and judges and find out more about the awards.

This year, there are a number of new judges and sponsors with 14 categories covering all sectors and sizes of business and charity. The awards are free to enter and businesses do not need to be a member of Somerset Chamber to take part.

Categories include the Business Resilience and Growth Award to recognise businesses which have reinvented their offering to go from strength-to-strength, a Manufacturing and Engineering Award, plus awards for Service Excellence, Environmental and Sustainability and Start-up of the Year.

Businesses will have until November 22 to submit their entries via the Somerset Business Awards website at www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk, while full details about the launch event can be found on the event listings on Somerset Chamber of Commerce’s website at somerset-chamber.co.uk.

Emma Warren, Chair of Somerset Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, said: “The Somerset Business Awards are a great way for businesses to raise their profile, engage their staff and celebrate their achievements.

“The awards are a great way to share success stories and I am grateful for the sponsorship and support of so many of Somerset’s leading businesses who, like me, are keen to celebrate our incredible business community.”

Somerset Business Awards this year: 

•    Small Business of the Year sponsored Gather Technology Ltd
•    Medium Business of the Year sponsored by Higos Insurance Services
•    Large Business of the Year sponsored by Netitude
•    Albert Goodman Family Business of the Year Award
•    Best Use of Digital Technology Award 
•    Charity of the Year Award sponsored by Clarke Willmott
•    Employer of the Year sponsored by HR Dept
•    Investing in Somerset Award sponsored by Hinkley Point C
•    Start-up of the Year Award sponsored by Westcotts
•    Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by University Centre Weston
•    Environmental and Sustainability Award sponsored by Agratas
•    Service Excellence Award sponsored by Porter Dodson
•    Somerset Manufacturing and Engineering Award sponsored by Leonardo UK
•    Business Resilience and Growth Award sponsored by Barclays 

The awards are also supported by media sponsors Global and the Somerset County Gazette Series.