Which category should you enter your business? Here's some more information on what the judges will be looking for in from the winners of each award.

Business Of The Year
Sponsored by Taylors Solicitors.

The premier award in East Lancashire's business year.

Open to any business that can demonstrate a successful track record of excellence and achievement.

We are looking for firms of any size, working in any commercial or industrial sector.

Deal Of The Year
Sponsored by PM&M accountants.

We are looking for the big deal' that helped to transform a business.

It could include a company purchase or arranging a management buy-out or buy-in.

At the same time a listing on the Stock Exchange, relocation, expansion or pulling of the sales deal to beat all sales deals' could make you a winner.

Excellence In Training
Sponsored by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

Training is the key to success for any business.

Employees who know what to do, and the safest and most efficient ways to do it, are vital to a successful enterprise.

This award recognises companies committed to training and development.

And they will be able to show how their investment in training has paid dividends.

Small Business Of The Year
Sponsored by The Hyndburn Enterprise Trust.

Launching your own business requires a whole range of skills and qualities and this award is designed to recognise and celebrate them.

We are looking for fledgling businesses which have successfully taken the first few steps.

You might only have been formed for a few months but you should not have been operating as a business for more than four years.

Innovation And Design
Supported by the North West Development Agency.

For companies which have developed new products or processes.

Whether your business is at the leading edge of technology or has cleverly adapted a new approach-it's ideas that count.

We are looking for companies able to show how innovation and design has worked for them with the development of new ideas or the use of new technology.

Best Environmental Achievement

For a company that has introduced the manufacture/invention of goods/services that have resulted in a genuine improvement to the environment or have, by a series of measures, made a real difference to the local or national environment.

Alternatively it could be a company that has 'gone green' introducing systems or initiatives within its own business that demonstrate it is environmentally aware.

Outstanding IT/ Digital Achievement

For a company that has used digital media in an outstanding way to promote its brand and/or drive its business forward.

This can range from anything from an effective business-enhancing website to the setting up of IT systems that have aided its business.