THE NOMINATIONS for the 2018 Otley Business Awards open next week.

The fourth annual event, organised in association with Otley Chamber of Trade, will be held at Otley Courthouse on Friday, March 23.

Nominations - across 11 categories* ranging from Best Newcomer to Lifetime Achievement - can be made from January 1, 2018.

The Motivational Speaker this time will be the owner of Yorkshire Trike Tours Jason Richards, who was named Yorkshire Businessman of the Year 2017.

Otley Business Awards organiser Tom Hatley of Otley Chamber of Trade, who owns Christopher Little & Co, said: "Jason and his wife, Judith, offer a uniquely exhilarating way to experience the Yorkshire Dales in their finest, chauffeur driven ‘Billy Connolly’ style motor trikes - Chloe, Lottie and Mollie.

"We can’t wait to hear all about their travels and how Jason achieved his recent Yorkshire Businessman accolade.

"We are also again delighted to have the support of some great local businesses who have agreed to sponsor the 2018 event."

The main sponsors will be Otley Chamber of Trade, Otley BID and Otley Town Council while each award category is being backed by a different local business and Stray FM is the media sponsor.

To nominate one or more businesses pick up a nomination form from one of a number of Otley firms or complete one online at otleychamber.co.uk , where more detail can also be found.

The closing date for completed nomination forms to be submitted is Wednesday, January 31.

*The other categories are: Best Café; Best Retail; Best Service Sector; Best Small Business; Best Large Business; Best Food & Drink; Community Award; Good Service Award; and Best Apprentice/Trainee.