Investment is key to a thriving business scene in the South West

The fuel that powers all successful businesses is sound funding and investment.

And in the South West the investment market has continued to flourish and prosper in the face of repeated challenges over the last 12 months.

From the green economy to advanced engineering our best performing companies have been backed by investment from a range of financial institutions.

Our Investment Award at this year’s Business of the Year Award is likely to be one of the most hotly contested.

Our awards aims to recognise and celebrate those funders and institutions which stand out in the category.

The first ever Business of The Year Awards in the South West are taking place in the autumn and will celebrate the very best in innovation, creativity and commerce in the region.

They follow on from our successful Leadership Awards which attracted entries from across the South West.

We want to hear from anyone whose organisation has made a difference when it comes to protecting the planet or has transformed the way their company operates.

A rigorous judging process will see all of the companies visited by members of our judging panel, before a shortlisting process.

Each company on the shortlist will then be invited to pitch why they should win an award, with the winners revealed at the black-tie dinner at the Bristol Harbour Hotel in Bristol.

The Business of the Year Awards are being sponsored by law firm Michelmores and Partners & and the winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony in central Bristol in November.

For more information and to enter the awards click here.