Nominations have opened for the first ever Budleigh Business Awards, organised by the independent traders' collective Shop Budleigh.

The awards aim to recognise the range of businesses, organisations and individuals the EX9 postcode area has to offer, and their achievements over the last year.

There are seven award categories:

Best of Budleigh – open to any person, business or organisation that 'represents the heart and soul of EX9'. 

Best Charity or Community Organisation – celebrating the charities or Community Interest Groups that care for the community in innovative or effective ways. 

The Sustainability Award - Any business, individual or organisation with a strong sustainability agenda. 

Employer of the Year - Any business or organisation in EX9 that goes above and beyond for its employees. 

Retailer of the Year Award - Any shop or e-commerce business based in EX9 demonstrating innovation, excellent customer service or bucking the trend. 

Solopreneur Award - Any individual who runs a business in EX9 showing bravery by setting up and going it alone. 

SME Award - any small or medium sized business in the EX9 exceeding expectations. 

Laura Chatterton from the Budleigh Business Award Committee said: "For a small seaside town we certainly punch above our weight in terms of the number of independent businesses, organisations and individuals who are achieving amazing things in the community and beyond.

"From businesses employing hundreds of people in the area, to individuals who are running multinationals from their kitchen table or charities, and interest groups who have come to the support of the people in our area with the most need - we feel it's time to acknowledge just some of the amazing work going on in Budleigh.

"We hope the awards will not only recognise a list of finalists, but we hope they will also bring greater awareness to the huge level of diversity and expertise based around us in EX9." 

Nominations opened on Monday, March 25 and can be submitted until April 25, with a fee of £10 per entry. Businesses, organisations, and individuals can nominate themselves for as many awards as they wish.

Sponsorship packages for the awards are also now available, with a choice of Bronze at £50, Silver' at £300 or Gold at £500.

The shortlist of potential award winners will be announced on May 15, and the award ceremony will be hosted at Budleigh Cricket Club's venue The Holt Bar and Terrace on July 4.

For further details of how to enter or to find out about the sponsorship opportunities, email shopbudleigh@gmail.com

The application form can also be accessed here.

To be kept up to date with the awards shortlist and the ceremony, email shopbudleigh@gmail.com and ask to subscribe to the mailing list.

Laura said: "We wish the nominees the best of luck and look forward to celebrating the best that Budleigh and surrounding areas has to offer in the award ceremony this summer."