BUSINESSES across Somerset are being urged to enter a regional award scheme which recognises excellence and enterprise.

The South-West’s Institute of Directors Awards 2014 seek to recognise outstanding business people and focus UK-wide attention on the region's success.

Award nominations are open to anyone working at director level in any type of business or organisation – they don’t have to be an IoD member.

Categories include: SME director, large company director, family business director, young director, public sector director, including charities and not for profit, and corporate responsibility.

A panel of experts will judge the entries and the winners will be announced at a dinner later in the year.

IoD South-West chairman Richard Ayre said: “We had a very high standard of entry last year, reaffirming that there’s a huge amount to celebrate within our region’s business community. There’s a great deal of expertise and excellence in the region which is leading the way in many sectors, helping the economy regain momentum.

“We want to hear more stories of enterprise, leadership and innovation and continue to celebrate leadership in the South West.”

South-West winners automatically qualify to go forward to the UK Director Awards in the autumn.

For entry forms and details call 0117 905 5050, email iod.southwest@iod.com or go to www.iod.com/connecting/local-network/south-west (entry deadline is March 31).