Time is running out for businesses across the Great Yarmouth area seeking the chance to raise their profile and reputation through the 2012 Spirit of Enterprise Awards.

Only a few days remain for businesses to raise their profile and reputation by getting involved in the highly prestigious awards.

The Spirit of Enterprise Awards are organised by enterpriseGY, which is supported by Great Yarmouth Borough Council to promote enterprise in the borough and support business start-up and growth.

Entries for the awards must be in by January 6 for the fifth annual awards which have rapidly grown in status over the years.

Peter Wright, from enterpriseGY and Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “Some businesses or entrepreneurs may still be wondering whether to take the plunge and enter. The simple answer is yes, of course.

“The awards are designed to recognise the achievements of businesses of all shapes and sizes across all sectors. Everyone is in with a chance and taking a few minutes to enter also underlines the belief and confidence that someone has in their own business and is a major step towards giving it much greater public awareness.”

The awards culminate in a glittering, high-profile ceremony on March 16 at The Zest Rooms, Potters Leisure Resort, Hopton.

The categories are:

Great Engineering/Manufacturing Business – sponsored by E-Tech Group

Investing in Young People – sponsored by Great Yarmouth College

Great Community Contribution – sponsored by A4e

Great Business Tourism Award – sponsorship opportunities still available

Great Customer Service – sponsorship opportunities still available

Great Environmental Contribution – sponsorship opportunities still available

Great New Business – sponsored by Lovewell Blake

Great New Innovative Product – sponsored by Itron

Great Employer of the Year – sponsored by Pasta Foods

Business of the Year – sponsored by PKF

The 10 Spirit of Enterprise Awards will be presented in front of approximately 200 guests including finalists, judges, sponsors, entrepreneurs and the town’s business leaders.

The awards are the only recognition of entrepreneurial success in Great Yarmouth and provide an exciting platform for business people and entrepreneurs to meet and share their thoughts on common business issues and opportunities arising in the town.

Full details and criteria for entry are on the website www.enterprisegy.co.uk/awards where entry forms can also be downloaded.

For more information contact Sally Pearson on 01493 335695 or sp@great-yarmouth.gov.uk