Time is running out for Watford companies and entrepreneurs to enter a prestigious business awards, supported by the Watford Observer.

The SME Hertfordshire Business Awards ceremony, due to take place in September, is now in its sixth year.

Set up to recognise, champion and honour small and medium size businesses across Hertfordshire, it provides a huge opportunity to showcase your work and that of your dedicated colleagues.

Watford Observer: Apprentice of the Year gold winner – Laura McKenzie from Watford and Three Rivers TrustApprentice of the Year gold winner – Laura McKenzie from Watford and Three Rivers Trust (Image: Watford Chamber of Commerce)

There are 20 different categories to choose from, but the entry deadline of 3pm on June 7 is not far off.

Chris Luff MBE, CEO of Watford and West Herts Chamber of Commerce, said: "Employers and employees find it valuable to get recognised for the hard work they do, especially in a time when business isn’t easy coming out of the pandemic.

"Winning an award can showcase a company’s excellence and let potential customers know they’re a quality business."

Categories include: 

-Employer of the Year

-Creative and Entertainment Business of the Year

-Business Person of the Year

-High Growth Business of the Year

-Corporate Social Responsibility Award

-Family Business of the Year

-Business of the Year (more than 50 employees)

-Business of the Year (less than 50 employees)

Once a team of professional judges has sifted through the entries, an awards ceremony will be held at Tewin Bury Farm Hotel in Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

Dean Russell, MP for Watford, attended the launch of the awards in April.

Speaking at the time, he said: "It was great to see so many businesses coming to learn how they can make their application stand out from the crowd and thank you to Watford Chamber of Commerce for supporting local SMEs all year round.

"It was a pleasure to chat to some business owners and their employees and I wish them all the very best of luck.” 

To enter visit HertfordshireAwards.co.uk