A NEW award scheme dedicated to small businesses has been launched in Hertfordshire by The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), with sponsorship by 10 leading businesses and business agencies in the Herts. The FSB Hertfordshire Small Business Awards 2009

A NEW award scheme dedicated to small businesses has been launched in Hertfordshire by The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), with sponsorship by 10 leading businesses and business agencies in the Herts.

The FSB Hertfordshire Small Business Awards 2009 in association with Trend Micro and Archant Herts and Cambs will be receiving and judging entries over the next few weeks for the final at Tewin Bury Farm in June.

These inaugural awards in Hertfordshire are the only dedicated awards for small businesses.

Local Business Consultant Maree Atkinson said: ''These awards are an opportunity to celebrate the success of small businesses. There are categories to suit every small business, and everyone can gain from the experience.''

The award categories and sponsors are as follows: 1 Enterprising Business Award sponsored by Hot Office Business Centres; 2 Employee of the Year sponsored by Hilliers HRW Solicitors; 3 Environmental Responsibility Award jointly sponsored by Stevenage Borough Council, East Herts County Council and Dacorum County Council; 4 Recent Graduate in Business Award sponsored by University of Hertfordshire; 5 Best New Business sponsored by BAA Stansted; 6 Excellence in Training sponsored by Exemplas; 7 Best e-business Award sponsored by Business Link; 8 Service Excellence sponsored by TCHC; 9 Staff Development and training award sponsored by Business Solutions; 10 Overall County Winner sponsored by Trend Micro

To enter, download an entry form from www.fsb.org.uk/hertsawards or call Damian Cummins on 01908 560376. The closing date is May 28.