Leading businesses from across the district gathered to celebrate the launch in Shepton Mallet of the 2020 Mendip Business Awards.

Past and present sponsors, previous winners and representatives from local chambers of commerce enjoyed an evening of networking and nibbles at Pillars 501 Gin Bar.

The launch marked the official opening of the 2020 awards, which is in its sixth successive year. Among the local businesses at the event were Ayton Global Research, Netitide, Knight's Fish and Chip Shop, LOAF Bakery, Heart Radio Somerset, Burns the Bread, the Swan Hotel, the Bath and West Showground, TelePA, Luxe and Twine, Melhuish and Saunders, Red Berry Recruitment, Wainwrights and Christopher Young Opticians.

Cllr Peter Goater, portfolio holder for economic development at Mendip District Council, said: "The Mendip Business Awards are a unique opportunity to showcase local talent, and outstanding businesses - and they are open now.

"We look forward to welcoming applications from businesses across the district to celebrate the wealth of successful enterprises across the Mendip district. It's always a fantastic occasion."

Katy Quinn, principal at Strode College in Street as a new title sponsor for the awards in 2020, said: "People in business are often working so hard that they don't always get the chance to step back and enjoy and celebrate their achievements.

"That's why these awards are really important for us at Strode, because we really want to support local businesses and we want to see their efforts recognised."

The 2020 Mendip Business Awards are open for entries until Friday, March 27. Finalists and sponsors of the awards will attend a ceremony at the Bath and West Showground near Shepton Mallet, on Wednesday, May 27.

More than 200 people celebrated Mendip's business talent at last year's ceremony. Why not join them this year?

Entering is quick and easy. Visit the Mendip Business Awards 2020 website for full details via the red button below.