AS 2008 dawns, this is the time to celebrate recruitment excellence during 2007. The Cambridgeshire Recruitment Awards 2008, organised by Archant Herts and Cambs – parent company of The Hunts Post – will be handed out at a glittering black-tie ceremony at

AS 2008 dawns, this is the time to celebrate recruitment excellence during 2007.

The Cambridgeshire Recruitment Awards 2008, organised by Archant Herts and Cambs - parent company of The Hunts Post - will be handed out at a glittering black-tie ceremony at the Huntingdon Marriott Hotel on Friday February 29.

They celebrate all that is best across the county in 10 categories, for which entries are now invited:

Recruitment Company of the Year - to reward businesses that offer complete recruitment solutions and can show a successful commercial track record and demonstrate absolute commitment to customers and staff. The category is open to Cambridgeshire branches of national agencies, as well as to the host of local independents that form the backbone of the county's recruitment service. Last year's award was shared by 1st Choice Recruitment, in Huntingdon, and technical recruitment consultants AndersElite.

Best Recruitment Practice - aims to recognise a team or individual in the human resources function of any company for ensuring employer and employee needs are met. The judges will be looking for excellence in people management, staff welfare and compliance with legislation, and their contribution to recruitment and retention of employees. Last year's winner was social landlord the Luminus Group.

The Special Recognition Award - acknowledges that influential and inspiring individuals are often the cornerstone of forming and shaping businesses and even whole business sectors, in this case in the field of recruitment. The judges will be looking for evidence of personal contribution to corporate success or to the wider recruitment sector in the county. Last year's winner was Nancy Fraser, of JobCentre Plus, in Cambridge.

The Best Induction Programme - celebrates the benefits of a comprehensive programme that embeds new employees quickly and successfully into their new working environment. It recognises, through testimonials from employees, the benefits that a successful welcome brings to employee retention. The judges will also be looking for evidence of support provided to new people and of training available to make them as effective as possible. Last year's winner was the Luminus Group.

Best Recruitment Website - is an accolade for those companies that have fully embraced internet technology and embedded it into the success of their business, making job-hunting and application easy and cost-effective. As well as usability and navigation, the judges will be looking for evidence of regular updating and the help offered to jobseekers, such as employer data and business sector information. Last year's winner was Michael Page Finance, of Cambridge.

Consultant of the Year - rewards an individual who has clearly demonstrated dedication and commitment to the role, professional excellence and performance as a role model in the recruitment industry. The judges will also be looking at nominees' own personal development and commitment to self-improvement. Last year's winner was Tanya Sizer, of Interaction Recruitment, in Cambridge.

The Rising Star Award - celebrates success among newcomers to the recruitment or human resources sector within the last 12 months. It rewards an exceptional start by those who are yet to establish a track record of success. The judges will be looking for evidence of positive attitude, team contribution and commitment to self-development. Last year's winner was Donna Wilkinson, of Computer People, Cambridge.

The Unsung Hero - will be an individual who has made a sustained behind-the-scenes contribution to the business or recruitment process. Evidence will be sought for personal motivation and how it influences and supports others or how high levels of customer service have impacted on colleagues, customers or candidates. Last year's winner was Caroline Scott, of Point Professional Recruitment, in Huntingdon.

The People Growth Award - recognises the investment companies make in their employees as a key component of business growth and development. Entrants will have to show evidence of at least a three-year track record of staff development, demonstrating the part played by successful recruitment and selection in delivering business plans and financial targets. Last year's winner was Pure Resourcing Solutions, of Cambridge.

The Best Recruitment Advertisement - rewards excellence in the first key part of the recruitment process. Job advertising is often the first contact between employer and employee and can set the framework for a mutually beneficial relationship. Successful advertisements can reflect a strong creative idea or underline a brand identity or message. The judges will be looking for originality, visual impact and success in attracting good candidates. Last year's winner was Cambridgeshire County Council.

INFORMATION: For further details or an entry form contact Debbie Cole, Recruitment Team Leader, Archant Herts and Cambs, 30 High Street, Huntingdon PE29 3TB. Telephone: 01480 443426. Fax: 01480 433316. Email debbie.cole@archant.co.uk