Companies in Richmond can put themselves in the frame a PR boost and some well-deserved recognition by entering this year’s Richmond Business Awards.

There are 14 categories to enter with the winners announced at a black tie gala at Twickenham Stadium on November 10.

The awards are organised by Richmond Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Richmond and Twickenham Times.

Chamber of Commerce chief executive Anne Newton explained why one of the categories – Best Professional Firm – would be so go to win.

She said: "The search for the best Richmond upon Thames borough businesses and non-profits is on in circa 14 different categories including Best Professional Firm won last year by the Richmond Practice, founded and led by Johanna and Sebastian Renz - a private GP clinic in the heart of our borough opposite Waitrose on the Sheen Rd in Richmond.

“Professionalism is particularly paramount, as we've seen this week in the news, and in businesses providing health and personal wellbeing, financial, legal and insurance services and of course it is a core requirement for all those business to business professional firms who are agents, consultants, experts in fields such as property, engineering, management and so on; so why not take the plunge and enter this year's Awards, as you too could win extensive PR, recognition and exposure for you, your team, partners and business.

“Key to winning this Best Professional category is proof that you run a professional business and so evidence of robust processes and procedures, fair and transparent pricing and excellent testimonials from clients, employees and suppliers alike.

“We welcome all Richmond Borough professionals to enter if you believe your business deserves to be recognised as a professional business operating in the borough of Richmond upon Thames. As Derek Mason from Super Structures conveyed in this column last week the list of benefits is both impressive and extensive with financial growth directly linked to his winning Commended and Highly Commended in various categories over the years.

“So join the party and mix with the best!"

#RBA17 Judges are drawn from across business and we endeavour to establish they have absolutely no conflicts of interest - the panel is chaired by the Chamber's CEO.

The #RBA17 entries are submitted by businesses and non profits online at www.richmondbusinessawards.com and all financials and documents attached are treated as confidential by the judges and they will check with you prior to publishing any comments about your business:-

• Best Business for businesses of over £1m turnover and financials and any other docs of proof required to be submitted with your entry

• Best Small Business for those with up to £1m turnover and financials and proofs required

• Best Professional Firm - proof of process, values testimonials and case studies required

• Best New Start Up l sponsored by headline sponsor St Mary's University- attach proof of successes, financials and also 'your start-up story'

• Best Retailer - bar, pubs, shops etc serving the public invited to enter with proof of success

• Best Charity or Social Enterprise SE sponsored by headline sponsor St Mary's University - show innovation you have applied to develop the charity/SE

• Best Female Entrepreneur sponsored by NatWest Bank - attach proof of successes including financials and any media cuttings or testimonials

• Best Training and Development - key to this is process, testimonials and case studies

• Best Website - facts regarding the web traffic and commercials to win this category

• Best in Corporate Social Responsibility sponsored by Butterworth Laboratories - show that your business has a CSR policy that delivers

• Best for Innovation sponsored by Minesoft Ltd - show you are an innovative business both in your offering and also in your internal workings - facts as ever and clear descriptions of the innovation and commercial benefits are what the judges require

• Best in Customer Service sponsored by The Lensbury - testimonials, proof of a process and of course data to prove you are the best.

• Best in International Trade sponsored by Santander Bank - Confidential financials, other Awards and case studies to show exporting success

• People's Choice sponsored by Bluebird Care - you decide! Vote for your favourite at our RBA website www.richmondbusinessawards.com

Why not join our sponsors' line-up and enjoy extensive advertorial, digital exposure and recognition at the black tie #RBA17 Gala evening for over 300 businesses at the RFU on 10th November 2017. The categories available for sponsorship are:-

• Best Business

• Best Small Business

• Best Professional Practice

• Best Training and Development

• Best Retailer

• Best Website

To find out more contact us at email@richmondchamberofcommerce.co.uk