Businesses wanting to showcase their success still have time to enter The Wiltshire Business of the Year awards, as the deadline has been extended to February 8.

The awards, which are in their 19th year, were developed by Newsquest Wiltshire in order to reward and celebrate dynamic and innovative businesses in Wiltshire.

Being shortlisted, or winning an award, can bring significant benefits, including prestige, media coverage, a boost for sales and marketing and staff morale.

Businesses can celebrate their success in being a finalist at the Awards Gala Dinner on April 26, giving them the opportunity to network and meet people from other successful businesses in Wiltshire.

The event has previously been held at the Four Pillars Hotel in South Cerney but will take place at Center Parcs, Warminster, for the first time this year.

Entry is free and businesses can enter as many categories as they like. The categories are: innovation and growth; small business of the year; service to the community; customer and staff care; environmental; business person of the year; and outstanding excellence (Wiltshire Business of the Year). This year’s new category is apprenticeship employer of the year.

Last year, Melksham firm Valldata beat 100 other businesses to win Wiltshire Business of the Year 2011 and also won the innovation and growth award. Other winners included Park Lane Press in Corsham, which won the environmental award, and Sixpenny Nursery in Marlborough which won rural business of the year.

Entry is free and the application form can be found at www.wiltshirebusinessoftheyear.co. uk.Entrants must also answer ten questions about their business and send in testimonials.

Entrants can apply via email or post. The application form and criteria supporting information can be sent to ugawthorn@newswilts.co.uk or a hard copy of the application form can be sent to Ursula Gawthorn, Wiltshire Business of the Year Awards 2013, Newsquest Wiltshire, 100 Victoria Road, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 3BE For more information contact Ursula Gawthorn on 01793 501874 or ugawthorn@newswilts.co.uk Gazette editor Gary Lawrence said: “This is always a great showcase for firms to really promote their business. I’m sure we’ll have a great night.”