The overall winner of last year’s Spirit of Enterprise Awards, Alicat Workboats, is reminding other thriving businesses that “you’ve got to be in it to win it” as entries are still open for the 2014 awards.

The prestigious scheme, now in its seventh year, is organised by enterpriseGY, Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s business support service, and aims to celebrate and raise the profile of successful firms across the borough.

Businesses have until September 12 to put themselves forward in the various categories and can also nominate an individual for the all-new Great Personal Contribution to the Great Yarmouth Economy Award.

The winner of each category, plus the winner of the 2014 Business of the Year Award, will be revealed at a black-tie dinner awards ceremony at Great Yarmouth’s Town Hall on Friday, November 21.

Alicat Workboats, based at Southtown Road, in Great Yarmouth, excelled in last year’s Spirit of Enterprise Awards, winning both 2013 Business of the Year Award and the Great Growing Enterprise of the Year Award.

Manager Simon Coote said: “To win this award sends a message to the hard-working employees they are doing something right, well done, and keep going. There was a noticeable spring in people’s steps afterwards.”

Application forms are available at www.soea.co.uk, where there is also an expression of interest form, which this year businesses have the option to submit ahead of the full application form.

It is free-of-charge to enter and finalists will be profiled in a supplement in the Great Yarmouth Mercury, with winners appearing in a further supplement.

The awards are:

Great Manufacturing/Engineering Business Award – sponsored by Pasta Foods

Great Investment in Young People Award – sponsored by Great Yarmouth College

Great New Business Award – sponsored by Paul Robinson Partnership

Great Business Idea Award – sponsored by Itron

Great Customer Service Award – sponsored by GYB Services Ltd

Great Community Contribution Award – sponsored by 3sun

Great International Growth Award – sponsored by Gardline

Great Marketing Initiative Award – sponsor needed

Great Business Growth Award – sponsored by Birketts

2014 Business of the Year Award – sponsored by BDO

Great Personal Contribution to the Great Yarmouth Economy – seeking sponsorship

Sponsors choose the winner in their category from three finalists shortlisted by a local independent panel, and also benefit from publicity at the ceremony and in the newspaper supplements.

The main sponsor, BDO LLP, which has an office in Yarmouth, will choose the 2014 Business of the Year from the winners of the other categories.

Businesses and potential sponsors seeking more information can visit www.soea.co.uk or call Sally Pearson, the enterpriseGY programme development officer, on 01493 846632.