How good is your business?

The Exmouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce and the Exmouth Journal have joined forces to launch the first-ever Exmouth Business Awards.

The idea is to reward businesses of all shapes and sizes - ranging from the biggest to the small independent retailer.

The awards will culminate in a glittering night at The Pavilion next spring when there will be a host of local entertainment - and, of course, the award presentations.

Ian MacQueen, chairman of the chamber, said: “We are delighted to partner the Exmouth Journal for these prestigious awards, which will recognise excellence within our town.”

Exmouth Journal editor Phil Griffin said: “We are lucky to boast some superb local businesses and it’s time they were rewarded for offering great service week in and week out.”

The awards are open to all businesses within the Exmouth town boundary, including non-chamber members.

The various categories will be sponsored by local companies and winners will be presented with trophies, as well as receiving a free editorial with photograph in the Journal.

The categories will be:-

Best independent retailer

Best holiday or leisure experience

Best restaurant, cafe or bar

Best professional services company

Lifetime contribution to business in Exmouth

 Young Entrepreneur of the Year (under 30).

Best customer services - public nomination (non management).

Businesses are invited to write in using 250 words outlining why they should win an award, except customer services which the public are asked to nominate.

Please send your nominations to Exmouth Business Awards, Ian MacQueen, C/O Partners in Payroll Ltd.,20, Rolle Street, Exmouth, EX8 1NJ.

The closing date for nominations will be Friday, March 1.

Mr MacQueen added: “It’s important that businesses nominate themselves, but the public can play an important role by spreading the word and getting their favourite business to enter.”