The 2020 Mendip Business Awards are open and some healthy competition is anticipated as entrepreneurs and Glastonbury businesses line up to enter.

The awards, now in their sixth successful year, give companies the chance to shine and celebrate their hard work and achievements.

A number of categories feature, including Business of the Year, which focuses on outstanding companies with more than five employees.

Sole traders and smaller enterprises may like to go for the title of Small Business of the Year, sponsored by NFU Mutual.

This award gives those with four employees or less a chance to demonstrate their accomplishments and gain greater recognition.

An award which applauds young and growing businesses is New Business of the Year, sponsored by Old Mill.

Start-up businesses are sure to get a reputational boost if they enter this category, and will grasp the opportunity to network at the awards, surrounded by like-minded people.

Family-run businesses could also be in with the chance to further enhance their reputation by becoming a finalist or winner of Family Business of the Year, sponsored by Ayton Global Research.

Stuart and Fiona Brogan from Shieldmaiden in Glastonbury, who won Small Business of the Year 2019, said: "Winning Small Business of the Year was a pleasant surprise as we were up against some fantastic entries.

"To say we were humbled was an understatement. Since winning, our business has seen an upsurge of interest from all walks of life and has most definitely put us on the map here in the South West, if not the UK.

"As an independent specialist supplier of all things Viking, it has helped us reach a wider audience, most of which would never have heard of us.

"If your business is undecided as to enter, I would strongly urge you to give it a shot. We did and have never looked back."

Cllr Peter Goater, portfolio holder for economic development, said: "I am looking forward to seeing which Mendip businesses take the opportunity to enter these fantastic awards.

"Old, new, big, or small – we'll be celebrating the very best businesses in Mendip and giving them the recognition they deserve."

To learn more about the event, the categories and to enter the awards, click on the red button below.

For any further questions, please email: [email protected] or call 01749 341315.