THE sixth annual Clacks Business Awards have been officially launched, with nominations being sought from all corners of the county.

Following the huge success of the last five years, the Alloa Advertiser, alongside event partners, Business Gateway, Ceteris and SV24-7 Vending are gearing up for another fantastic evening where we will be rewarding and celebrating the Clackmannanshire business economy.

The event has created a platform for local businesses and employees to demonstrate how their work, products, business strategies and services are making an impressive contribution within the county and further afield.

Clackmannanshire has a wide and diverse business community. With amazing companies that deserve to be recognised for their innovation through to social enterprises and businesses who go out their way to ensure customer satisfaction.

The local business community is thriving, so we want to hear about those business based right here in the wee county who have great success stories to celebrate.

The prestigious awards gala dinner year will take place on Thursday, August 29, 2019 at The Alloa Town Hall.

The awards – listen below – will go to companies and their dedicated employees that are leading the way.

Business of the Year Award – sponsored by Ceteris

This award is to recognise a business that has had outstanding commercial growth within their industry sector. Judges will be looking for businesses that can demonstrate innovative projects, impressive results and a focus on employee engagement.

Best Not-For-Profit Organisation Award

From public sector agencies to third sector- charities, community groups, social enterprises and voluntary organisations, Clackmannanshire has them all. This award is to recognise the incredible achievements of our best not-for-profit organisations headquarted in Clackmannanshire.

Community Spirit Award

This award recognises a business or company that put’s the community at the heart at what they do. From staff volunteering hours to CSR initiatives, has your company put giving back high on the agenda? We want to hear from businesses that have made a positive impact on the local community.

Embracing Digital Technology Award

Digital platforms, communication and strategies are essential for every business.

Are you a business who has implemented a digital element, such as an e-commerce system or a social platform, that has revolutionised the processes in your company?

Have you embedded a digital system that has improved customer experience? Tell us about how digital has helped your business grow.

Excellence in Customer Service Award

Customers are very important in all businesses and we want to recognise a business that has gone above expectations. If you offer excellent customer service within your business practice, then we want to hear from you today.

Most Promising New Business Award – sponsored by Business Gateway

It takes something special to make your mark in business. This award will go to a new Clackmannanshire business that demonstrates an organic growth strategy and has achieved outstanding levels of sales, profit and market share improvement.

Success through Sustainability Award – sponsored by SV24-7 Vending

Responsible and remarkable. The winner of the award for sustainability will be a company that can show a consistent commitment to social and environmental improvements as part of its economic strategy.

It will have systems in place to improve resource efficiency, have capacity and responsibility to contribute to socio-ecological improvements and engage with communities and other businesses to create a more sustainable economy.

Does your company have a sustainable strategy that could be rewarded in 2019?

Most Impressive Employee of the Year

We understand that most businesses wouldn't be where they are without the strong workforce behind them. We want to hear about an employee that has gone above and beyond the call of duty over the last year. Let’s celebrate their hard work, achievements and outstanding contribution to their role and business.

Family Business of the Year

This category is for a family business of any size, in any sector, which has enjoyed outstanding success. Are you a business steeped in family history or a new start-up enjoying a successful start to your family business career, then we what to hear from you!

Apprenticeship Award

This category is to celebrate Apprentices across all sectors, and recognising an individual who is set for a successful career in their chosen field.

Whether your Apprenticeship programme specialised in engineering, healthcare or professional services, we want to highlight an individual who demonstrated significant improvement, a great work ethic and is an ambassador for Apprentices in the Clackmannanshire Area.

Nominations can be placed by the business themselves, employees or customers by visiting newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/clacksawards up until Wednesday, June 19.

For further information please can you contact Nina Holmes on 0141 302 6036 or email her on nina.holmes@newsquest.co.uk