LOCAL businesses, charities and community groups are being encouraged to enter the Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards 2019.

Organised by the local Chamber of Commerce, the event will recognise the best in the business across several categories, including Tourism and Hospitality Business of the Year, and Agricultural Business of the Year.

The 2018 awards saw the number of applications more than double, with entries being open to all businesses, regardless of size or sector.

Last year’s winners included luxury spa resort Stobo Castle and tyres and car servicing specialists Hawick Autocare.

Chamber of Commerce chairman Jack Clark said: “We are proud to once again be hosting the awards. There is no better forum for showcasing the outstanding businesses within the Scottish Borders.”

Shani Barclay, from sponsor Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers said: “The Borders Chamber of Commerce has successfully created an annual event which demonstrates the diverse range of businesses we have here in the Borders.”

This year’s awards ceremony will be held at the Borders Events Centre in Kelso on November 7.

A full list of categories can be found at www.borderschamber.com under the events section. Online entries are now open and will close on August 13.