IT'S time to get your entries in for this year's Bolton ad Bury Business Awards 2016.

The Awards are one of the most prestigious dates on the Bolton and Bury calendar,

Hundreds of guests can enjoy a fantastic night out at the Macron Stadium and see the best of businesses in Bolton and Bury pick up the top accolades.This year's awards are being held on Thursday, September 8.

But before then, we are urging businesses, large or small, to enter one of the 11 categories which range from Retailer of the Year to Apprentice/Young Person and from Family Business to Customer Excellence, and of course, Business of the Year. .

We have lined up some top sponsors for this year, with Bolton Council and the University of Bolton as headline sponsors.

Other sponsors and the categories are:

Business of the Decade – KBS Corporate

Business of the Year – Stateside Foods

SME of the Year – Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd

Apprentice/Young Person of the Year – MBDA of Lostock

Family Business of the Year – Carrs Pasties

Customer Excellence – The Chinese Buffet

We’re Backing Bolton/Bury – Bristol Street Motors

Retailer of the Year – The Market Place

Business Person of the Year – KBL solicitors.

Best Company for Apprentice Development and Start Up Business of the Year make up the last categories.

It is easy to enter, just go to newsquestnorthwest.co.uk/business-awards.html.

Fill in the entry form and send it back.

Closing date is Friday, July 29.

Entrants who want to submit any further evidence or testimonials can do so by contacting Lynn Ashwell, deputy editor, on 01204 537277 or by emailing lynn.ashwell@nqnw.co.uk.

We look forward to a great night in September when the best of Bolton and Bury businesses will be crowned.