THE business community came out in force last week for the launch of this year’s Cirencester Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

Last year’s winners mixed with judges and sponsors at The Sundial Theatre in town to hear about this year’s prestigious business awards, which will be held on May 10 at the King’s Head Hotel.

This year will be the Chamber’s ninth business awards, and two new categories have been introduced, Business of the Year, which will replace Skilled Trader/Supplier of the year and Apprentice of the Year.

Once again the Wilts and Glos Standard is sponsoring the Customer Service Award.

Voted for by readers, this award is given to the business or individual that gives the best customer service.

This could be a shop or solicitor, a bank or pub – anyone who goes the extra mile to meet their customers’ needs.

Last year Dyer Street Chiropractor & Physiotherapy Clinic were a popular choice for the Customer Service Award.

Speaking at the Business Awards launch, the president of the Chamber, Annemarie Thurgood, thanked everyone that supported last year’s event including the sponsors, entrants and attendees.

She also acknowledged that without them the awards would never happen.

The members also heard from David Fowles about the money raised from last year’s auction, which was put towards the human poppy.

A sponsor from last year’s awards, Russell Jones-Walker of Lumley Insurance and award winner Emily Hepworth of Persephone Violet also gave presentations, detailing some of the many benefits of being involved with the event.

There were a record number of entries for last year’s competition and Chamber is aiming to match the success this year.

Visit cirencesterchamber.org.uk to enter.

To nominate a business or person for the Customer Service Award please email wgsnews@wiltsglosstandard.co.uk.

The deadline for entries is March 29.