The Scarborough News Business Awards are back - and this year are expanded for Covid heroes

The awards, now in their seventh year, are open to entrants in the Scarborough Filey, Whitby, Bridlington and Ryedale areas.

Last year the pandemic prevented our popular awards taking place ... but this year they're back!

In the business world, as in your personal life, the past year has been one like no other.

The pandemic has meant that many businesses, whether large or small, have had to close for periods of time or have staff working from home, supplies have sometimes been problematic, and trading in general has been difficult.

Some businesses, certainly in the early days, branched out to help the Covid-19 effort, such as manufacturing PPE.

And now, with the vaccines programme in England giving everyone light at the end of the tunnel, it’s time to celebrate the efforts and achievements of our area’s business community.

This year our awards will also recognise the incredible community spirit of not just businesses, but also groups, charities and individuals in tackling and overcoming the Covid hardships.

Those of you who are familiar with our awards - now in their seventh year - will know they are the premier honours of their type along the coast.

As in previous years, the awards night is at Scarborough Spa, it will be hosted by television favourite Harry Gration, and we’re delighted that the main sponsor is once again McCain Foods. The date for your diary is Thursday December 2.

For the first time, we will be running a free virtual online awards entry writing workshop, hosted by Pure Awards.

This is being hosted by Lucinda White of Pure Awards on Thursday June 10, from 10am-11.30am, and will include hints and tips on how to write the best entry, and what our judges are looking for. You will hear from past winners, judges and our Editor, Steve Bambridge.

This year there are various new categories, some designed to recognise the Covid effort.

Everything you need is on the awards website – www.scarboroughbusinessawards.co.ukThere, you can register for the awards writing workshop, make an entry, or entries, and purchase a ticket for the glittering night at Scarborough Spa on Thursday December 2.

The closing date for entries is October 8, at 5pm ... but have a look now at the categories that interest you.

Visit the awards website ... you or your business could be the toast of the town!