WEST Dunbartonshire's Working4Business awards are back for 2019 – and entries across nine different categories are open now.

These awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the success and achievements of businesses in West Dunbartonshire, and will be principally sponsored by Clyde Training Solutions.

Gareth Mathias, the firm's general manager, said: “Clyde Training is delighted to be the principal sponsor of the Working4Business awards in 2019.

"As a previous winner I would encourage all businesses to consider applying for an award.

"The process will benefit your business and if successful, your colleagues and customers will be able to enjoy the recognition it brings.”

This year’s categories are:

• Most Promising New Business Award - Sponsored by Clyde Training Solutions

• Best Performing Small Business Award (fewer than 25 employees) - Sponsored by Business Gateway

• Best Performing Business Award (25 or more employees) – Sponsored by Vital Energi

• Excellence in Customer Service Award – Sponsored by C&C Systems Ltd

• Community Impact Award – Sponsored by CPR Scotland

• Family Business Success Award Sponsored by –Sponsored by PBA (now part of Stantec)

• Developing the Young Workforce Award – Sponsored by Cullross

• Excellence in People Development Award – Sponsored by West College Scotland

• Success through Sustainability Award – Sponsored by CHIVAS Brothers

The awards are free to enter and local businesses can enter up to three of the nine categories.

The 2019 awards process will also see the introduction of a free Awards Masterclass on February 26.

The masterclass will provide guidance from a business consultant to help you prepare your application and therefore give you the best chance of success - click here for more details about the masterclass.

The closing date for submitting applications is Friday, March 15, 2019.

Winners will be unveiled at a glittering awards dinner on Friday, May 17 at Clydebank Town Hall, hosted by comedian Karen Dunbar.

Paul Richards, Founder of Together Energy, winners of the 2018 Best Performing Business (25 plus employees) category, commented: “We had three tables at the awards in 2018. The affirmation that every staff member felt upon winning the award really consolidated pride in the brand."

Councillor Iain McLaren, convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development at West Dunbartonshire Council, said: “We’re pleased to support the Working4Business awards.

"It’s a great event and the perfect way to recognise the people whose entrepreneurial spirit and creative thinking improves West Dunbartonshire for all of us.”

If you would like to request an application form please email the Awards team on awards@entourageuk.com or telephone 0141 887 6181.