THE biggest and best business awards in the area will be even bigger and better in this, their 10th year, according to Paul Richardson the founder and chairman. Paul Richardson, publisher of The Hunts Post, made the pledge at the launch of The Hunts Post

THE biggest and best business awards in the area will be even bigger and better in this, their 10th year, according to Paul Richardson the founder and chairman.

Paul Richardson, publisher of The Hunts Post, made the pledge at the launch of The Hunts Post Huntingdonshire Business Awards on Thursday that the awards would be the best ever.

Speaking to an invited audience of 40 people at the Marriott Hotel, Huntingdon, he said: "When these awards were launched, with an endorsement from John Major, then the Huntingdon MP, we had six awards. This year, we have 12 - that just shows how far this event has come.

"The challenge is to make this special year the best ever. And we will."

Two new awards have been added for 2007. They are: the training and development award, sponsored by Huntingdonshire Regional College, and an internet award, sponsored by Archant Herts and Cambs, parent company of The Hunts Post.

Mr Richardson said: "I am very pleased that Huntingdonshire Regional College has joined our rosta of sponsors with this award, because all businesses are aware that training and developing staff is fundamental to efficient progress. And we have also come up with criteria for an internet award - we will be looking for well-designed, user-friendly websites which have a proven effect on business."

The publisher urged those present to become ambassadors for the event and to help ensure entries reached a record figure.

"We don't judge the success of the awards totally through the number of entries, but that figure is a good indicator. And the more entries, the better the competition and, by association, the more worthy the winners are."

Speaking just hours after Prime Minister Tony Blair announced he would be standing down, Mr Richardson said: "The purpose of these awards remains the same today as they did in 1997 when Mr Blair moved into No 10 - and that is to recognise and reward the people and the companies who have made a significant difference to business in Huntingdonshire. The aim is to recognise and raise the profile of businesses in this area."

Sean King, from MoveWithUs, Business of the Year last year, said: "These awards raise awareness of the great businesses operating in this area. The awards are a great way to celebrate success."

Mr Richardson announced the awards' charity of the year, The Dreamdrops Appeal for the new children's unit at Hinchingbrooke Hospital. He commented: "Through The Hunts Post's Hands Off Hinchingbrooke campaign, which proved so successful, everyone in this area can see the support for the hospital is superb. I'm certain we can call on that support to help raise money to improve the facilities for children and their families."

HOW TO ENTER

You can apply for an entry pack by completing and returning the entry forms, which are available from a number of outlets, including the Huntingdon Marriott Hotel and The George Hotel in Buckden as well as The Hunts Post offices at 30 High Street, Huntingdon PE29 3TB.

Or you can enter via the internet by going to: www.cambs24.co.uk/businessawards

Entry forms can be obtained from, and, once completed should be sent to: Carol Gray, Archant Herts and Cambs, Bank House, Primett Road, Stevenage, Herts SG1 3EE. Carol can be contacted by ringing: 01438 866000 or via email: Carol.gray@archant.co.uk

RULES

All entries must be submitted to Archant Herts and Cambs by 5pm Monday, August 6 .

Any organisation (private or public sector) operating within Huntingdonshire district is eligible to enter.

Entering more than one category is allowed, but each entry must include a separate entry form.

The judges, organisers and sponsors cannot accept responsibility for the validity of claims made by entrants.

A minimum of two judges will be allocated to each category. The judges will consider each nomination in the context of the chosen category.

If appropriate, judges may submit a nomination into an additional category.

The winner of each award will be announced at the Awards Gala Dinner on Friday, November 2, at the St Ives Burgess Hall. No results will be announced before this date.

Entry into the award implies acceptance of the rules and conditions.