LOCAL BBC journalist and broadcaster Claire Carter will host the gala black-tie awards ceremony for the Somerset Business Awards 2021, while entrants can get some top tips on how to submit the best possible entry at an online workshop next month.

Businesses have until November 20 to submit their entries via the Somerset Business Awards website www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk and can find out how to improve their chances of winning by listening to some top hints and tips from judges and previous winners in a webinar on October 14.

The awards are the county’s biggest and most prestigious annual business awards which are organised by Somerset Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the very best of the county’s businesses.

This year’s awards are later than usual due to the Covid-19 pandemic and Claire, who presents BBC Somerset’s Breakfast Show, will host the finals night at Weston-super-Mare’s Winter Pavilion on March 26.

The awards are free to enter and businesses do not need to be a member of the Chamber to take part.

Stephen Henagulph, chief executive of Somerset Chamber, said: “I am grateful for the sponsorship of so many of Somerset’s leading businesses who, like me, are keen to celebrate everything that is great in the county, especially when so many have companies have faced extremely difficult trading times.”

Information about the awards and how to book a place on the top hints and tips webinar is available on the Somerset Business Awards website.