TODAY we open the doors to the 27th Press Business Awards and issue a call to inspiring entrepreneurs to share their stories of success as we once again celebrate enterprise in our region.

Throughout the year, The Press features stories of businesses across our patch in York, North and East Yorkshire, taking to the stage at local, regional and national levels, putting the city and its surrounding areas on the map for achievements in a variety of sectors.

Now we look to culminate all those successes and more in the only business awards of its kind, dedicated to rewarding success in enterprise across our region.

ENTER THE 2017 PRESS BUSINESS AWARDS HERE

For more than a quarter of a century The Press Business Awards have recognised the achievements of all kinds of businesses; large and small, across all kinds of different sectors and in various areas of best practice.

Through our promise to publish a profile on every business that enters we ensure no matter how far a business or individual makes it in the competition, their story is told and celebrated.

The awards have always told tales of determination and devotion, of overcoming challenges and seeking opportunities, and have introduced us to the people behind the success stories.

Last year we introduced three entirely new categories – Business Innovation of the Year, sponsored by the University of York; Socially Responsible Business of the Year, sponsored by York St John University; and Employer of the Year, sponsored by JWP Creers, all of which return for 2017. We also brought in a slightly different category, the Retail, Tourism or Leisure Business of the Year, instead of the previous Tourism and Hospitality title, and the Exporter of the Year Award replaced the previous Dare to Export.

Add to these the four other accolades on offer, and it is easy to see why our sparkling ceremony in November will be a night of unrivalled celebrations in the only business awards to shine the spotlight on entrepreneurial achievements and dynamic economic growth in York and North Yorkshire.

We are delighted to once again welcome back BBC broadcaster Colin Hazelden to act as our Master of Ceremonies for the event.

Since the launch of 2016’s awards it has been a year of uncertainty and political upheaval, initiated by the Brexit vote, and culminating with a general election.

However we have seen businesses show determination and tenacity as they continue working to secure and safeguard their own markets, and plan ahead for future growth and sustainability.

In 2017 we seek to reward their courage and hold up their tales of prosperity as inspiration to entrepreneurs across the generations.

The categories are: Small Business of the Year; Large Business of the Year; New Business of the Year; Exporter of the Year; Retail, Tourism or Leisure Business of the Year; Business Personality of the Year; Family Business of the Year; Socially Responsible Business of the Year; Business Innovation of the Year; and Employer of the Year. The overall Press Business of the Year Award will be chosen from among the winners of the above categories and announced on the night.

As well as gaining clients’ attention and motivating and rewarding staff, the finalists in these categories will be invited to attend an exclusive, black-tie dinner at York Racecourse in November.