The race is on to find this year’s best businesses.

Braintree Council’s Business Excellence Awards, which include Independent Business of the Year, Best Business for Marketing and Town Champion, will be announced at an awards dinner in March.

The deadline for entries is February 28.

Councillor Chris Siddall, cabinet member for prosperity and growth at Braintree Council, said: “The awards are a great opportunity to reward those who have gone the extra mile for their customers.

“We have some excellent independent traders in the town, and through the pop-up shop we have been able to nurture four businesses in the past year who have gone on to grow and expand.

“It is important to recognise and celebrate business and I would urge businesses to take part in what looks set to be a competitive awards.”

Applications are available online at braintree.gov.uk/businessexcellence or a paper version can be requested by calling 01376 552525.