THE Westmorland Gazette's 2011 Business and Tourism Awards, one of the premier events in the North West business calendar, is now open for entries.

More than 120 companies stepped up last year to fight it out for top business accolades and this year promises to be an even bigger event as more entrepreneurs step into the spotlight.

This year, 11 outstanding enterprises will be applauded as leaders from a spectrum of businesses, from small hospitality outlets to large-scale manufacturing teams.

Award categories encompass every facet of business achievement and enterprise.

The top title is the Business of the Year Award, which was won last year by The Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes.

Managing director of the cheese-making company, David Hartley, has thrown his full weight behind this year’s awards.

He said: “Everyone at Wensleydale Creamery was proud the company received the award.

“The awards ceremony was a fantastic evening.

“I would certainly encourage businesses to enter the awards. It is a source of pride for the company and encouragement to continually strive to improve.”

The awards were also welcomed by Cumbria Chamber of Commerce’s South Lakes officer Derek Armstrong, who said companies that enter prove the strength of enterprise across Cumbria.

He said: “We’d definitely encourage firms to apply and get recognition for their hard-earned achievements during difficult times for industries.

“I saw some tremendous examples of enterprise last year — I am looking forward to hearing their success stories and seeing them up on stage.”

Sponsors include CLB Coopers, Armstrong Watson, Furness Building Society, Natwest and Gilbert Gilkes & Gordon.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony to be held at The Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, on Friday, September 16.

The Westmorland Gazette Business and Tourism Awards could make a huge difference to your enterprise.

It costs nothing to put your business forward, but you must get your entries in by the closing date of Tuesday, July 19.

Click on the link below for more information on the awards and to enter.