Businesses across the Suffolk are set to be recognised for their fresh thinking and new ideas, as Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils' Innovation Awards return this autumn

The awards are held every two years and are a celebration of businesses in all sectors that are striving to use unique and creative approaches to deliver their products and services.

This year, nine awards will be handed out, acknowledging the most innovative local businesses across a range of categories.

The categories are:

• Shooting Star (individual or team)
• Rising Star
• Growth Business of the Year
• Customer Service Innovation
• High Street Innovation
• Sustainability Innovation
• Construction Innovation
• Food and Drink Innovation
• Business Innovator of the Year

Nominations are now open and entering the awards is free of charge. Businesses can either enter themselves or other organisations that they believe are raising the bar when it comes to innovation.

Councillor Derek Davis, Babergh District Council cabinet member for sustainable economy, said: "I'm really excited about the Innovation Awards returning later on this year and I'm looking forward to congratulating all the nominees for the services they provide in our communities.

"These awards exist to celebrate all businesses, regardless of their size or sector, and to shine a light on all the brilliant work that is being done in Babergh day in, day out."

This is the third time that the awards have been held, with businesses last honoured in 2022. This year, the ceremony will be held at All Manor of Events on Thursday, 7 November.

Councillor Teresa Davis, Mid Suffolk District Council cabinet member for thriving communities, said: "The Innovation Awards provide us with an opportunity to give businesses some well-earned recognition for the ways in which they overcome problems and find creative solutions.

"Whilst many businesses will be focussed on their day-to-day work, we really want to shout about what they do, so please put them forward, or encourage them to do so. I know receiving an award in the past has helped to boost businesses in our region, and come November, that could be you."

The window for nominations closes on 31 August. To submit a nomination or find out more information about the awards and categories, visit the Heart of Suffolk website.