The search is on to find the area’s top performers in commerce, business and industry.

The Derbyshire Times in association with main sponsor Destination Chesterfield has just launched its 2011 Business Awards, which aim to recognise and reward business excellence across all sectors, private and public.

Open to organisations of any size, based in the Derbyshire Times’ circulation area, entries are encouraged from those that feel they are working smarter than their competitors to create a business edge.

Entrants to the Derbyshire Times Business Awards may come from entering your own organisation for an award or by nominating a third party.

There are many benefits of entering, being shortlisted or winning an award; it not only motivates staff and increases customer confidence but also raises business profiles among potential customers.

Winners will be judged by an impartial number of well-respected business people within our community. Winners will receive a trophy and the right to use the awards logo on letterheads and marketing information.

The awards will be presented at a gala celebration evening to be held at Chesterfield Football Club, on November 17.

Following the huge success of last years awards, tables of 10 are now available for only £700 plus vat so why not reserve your table now.

Be there on the night to see local businesses recognised for their outstanding achievements. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink and canapés on arrival, followed by a four-course a la carte dinner with wine.

Make sure your organisation is represented at these prestigious awards. Tables for the ceremony will sell fast; to reserve a table for your organisation all you need to do is contact Emma Angell on 07801195407 or emailemma.angell@jpress.co.uk

Below is a full list of all the categories. For more information or to nominate a business, log onto website at www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk

Business Idea of the Year: This award will go to the company/person whose original idea has led to increased productivity within their business, led to a reduction in costs, or a development of their brands. We will be looking for evidence of how this idea reaped rewards for your business and how it has been implemented into your company.

Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Champion Barber Harrison & Platt: This award will go to the outstanding individual who can best demonstrate exceptional vision and leadership in the establishment and development of an owner-led business. The judges will look for clear identification of a market opportunity, innovation, growth and evidence of strong financial performance in terms of sales and profit growth.

Young Business Person of the Year –Sponsored by Chesterfield Champion Chesterfield College: This category encourages nominations from any business, team or organisation who feel they have a young person aged between 16 – 25 years, who has excelled in their field during 2010/2011.

Small Business of the Year: Open to organisations with 15 or less staff, this award will go to the company that best demonstrates significant growth and innovation in its market sector, underpinned by strong financial performance.

Business Personality of the Year: This category is for those at a managerial or executive level who have impressed a sense of their own unique personality on the business, bringing their own style to bear alongside a sense of leadership and commitment to the business which has made a quantifiable difference to the firm.

Team of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Champion, DNCC: The Team of the year Award is open to outstanding management teams. Judges are looking for management teams that are truly go-ahead, enlightened, innovative, and forward-thinking.

Community Contribution of the Year: Through their commitment to the local area entrants for this award should show that they have actively supported the local community, schools or colleges. Entrants for Community Involvement will be measured on their specific participation and not purely upon financial support.

The Environment Award – Sponsored By Chesterfield Champion, Chesterfield Waterside: Entrants to this category must show examples of what innovative action the company has taken towards a low carbon economy.

Customer Service Award – Sponsored By Franke Sissons: This award will go to the organisation which can best demonstrate that it has the customer at the heart of its business.

Most InnovativeProperty/Building Development: This may include the regeneration or redevelopment of an existing building – or be a completely new project. The judges are looking for how the development may have taken into consideration any existing structures and features and its eventual suitability for purpose.

The Manufacturing Award – Sponsored by Chesterfield Champion,  Natwest Bank: The winner of this award will need to demonstrate a modern, efficient and innovative approach to manufacturing, including a commitment to the excellence and development of its products and services, whilst reaching new markets.

Healthy Workplace Award – Sponsored by Derbyshire PCT: This award recognises employers who go that extra mile to look after the health of their staff and promote healthy living throughout the business.

Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Vidbo: This award focuses on companies in the retails business and highlights the relationship with the general public on a day to day basis. Entrants should show high levels of customer service as well as an innovative approach in building the strength of the business, Outlining their approach to branding and presentation within the store plus details of how the company has grown over recent years as well as any plans or ideas to help grow the business over the next few years

Lifetime Achievement – Sponsored by Chesterfield Champion, Banner Jones: Open to an individual or team of people who can demonstrate that they have had a major impact on their business and Chesterfield as a town over a number of years, enhancing the community through their work and having a long-term business success.

2011 Business of the Year – Sponsored By Chesterfield Champion, Chesterfield Borough Council: This award is the ultimate accolade for all our entrants and the winner will be chosen from each of the category winners.

The judges will be looking for the company/person who has shown the most enterprise, passion and drive

Source:Derbyshire Times