THE Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce has launched the 2016 Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards.

This year, learning from the highly successful ceremony held at Springwood Park last November at which Scottish Minister Keith Brown MSP was the guest speaker, the aim is to promote and celebrate all the best that Borders companies have to offer.

This year, the Chamber have made the application procedure simpler to encourage more businesses across the Borders to apply.

Jack Clark, Chairman of the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce, said that he was astounded by the creativity, innovation and sheer excellence that was shown by applicants last year.

He added: “If there is one thing we have been poor at in the Scottish Borders in the past, it has been standing up and shouting from the rooftops about the quality of the businesses we have here.

"I am glad to say that that appears to be changing and the voice of Borders business and commerce is once again being heard.

"These Awards are designed to promote all that is best in Borders business. We urge all businesses to consider taking part – the procedure is simple and the PR value alone is worth the effort.”

Last year’s award winners included a wide cross-section of Borders commerce - Giacopazzi’s Wholesale Ice Cream (Eyemouth); Spital Tower Tourism (Ruberslaw); Aquarius Hair Design (Earlston); Standhill Farm (Minto); Findra (Innerleithen); First Borders; RP Adam (Selkirk); Quadcare (Lauder); Stable Life (Ashkirk) and Bam Nuttall (Borders Rail Project).

Applicants are being sought for 10 awards for 2016 - Food Producer of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year (under 35 years of age), Tourism Business of the Year, Healthcare and Well-being Award, Transport/Logistics Business of the Year, Best Business High Growth and Innovation Award, Retail Business. Most Innovative Business with under five employees, Exporter of the Year and Social Enterprise Company of the Year

Full details together with the on-line application form are available from www.borderschamber.com

The awards ceremony, which is being supported this year by SP Energy Networks, is to be held once again at Springwood Park, Kelso, on Friday, November 11.