THE countdown is on the the Ilkley Business Awards 2019 which take place on Friday, March 15.

The awards are not just for Ilkley, they are open to anyone in business in LS29.

A spokesperson for the awards said: “Businesses throughout LS29 can enter any of the award categories so why not take the opportunity to promote your business by entering?

“The closing date for entries has been extended to Thursday 31 January 2019 so do not delay, get your entries in today. The entry process is simple, you can either enter online, download an entry form from the website or handwrite your application and send it to the committee. Visit the website to find the entry criteria for each award: www.ilkleybusinessawards.co.uk.”

This year categories include: apprentice/trainee of the year; best customer service of the year; employee of the year; established business of the year; food and drink business of the year; health and beauty business of the year; independent retailer of the year; leisure and tourism business of the year; long standing business of the year; micro business of the year; new business of the year and professional services business of the year.

Once the entry deadline has passed a shortlist will be prepared and the winner of each category will be chosen by a panel of independent judges.

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on March 15, 2019, which will be held at the Kings Hall and Winter Gardens in Ilkley.

The awards spokesperson added: “The Ilkley Business Awards 2019 are delighted to welcome SmartSearch as the headline sponsor.

“SmartSearch is the leading online provider of Anti Money Laundering Services, helping businesses comply with the Anti Money Laundering Regulations. Their mission is to serve Regulated Businesses with the most efficient and cost effective client verification tools, delivering Anti Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) information, ensuring their clients businesses remain compliant and protected; their new office is situated on Lower Railway Road, Ilkley. www.smartsearchsecure.com.”

Tickets are now on sale for the awards ceremony, which includes a gala dinner and a bucks fizz reception, along with live entertainment The ticket price is £42.50.

Visit www.ilkleybusinesswards.co.uk for more information.