The search is on again to find the South West’s best and brightest small companies as Britain’s biggest business representation group launches its annual awards.
The FSB’s (Federation of Small Businesses) Celebrating Small Business Awards showcase small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the region and are open to FSB members and non-members. 
The 12 categories range from best family business and best start-up, to categories championing micro and larger business as well as awards for SMEs that excel with customer service, with their diversity and inclusivity practices and those who shine in their local communities.
Last year’s awards produced a record number of entries – with three Bristol businesses among the winners at the presentation ceremony, pictured above.
‘Intelligent video’ innovator One Big Circle scooped the Business & Product Innovation title, Rockit, which designs, manufactures and markets sleep aid devices for babies and toddlers, landed the International Business of the Year Award while used car dealership Car Connect Bristol was victorious in the High Growth Business of the Year category.
Organisers are hoping this year will see an even bigger response from the region’s innovative small businesses. 
The South West final will again be held in Weston-super-Mare later this year, with the regional winners going through to a national final next spring.
FSB regional chairman Lee Nathan, pictured, whose creative agency Studiovine has bases in Bristol and Plymouth, said: “As we all know this is a very challenging time for small businesses, so this is the ideal opportunity for SMEs to remind everyone of the incredible work they are doing and showcase how important they are to our communities.
“We were overwhelmed with both the quantity and quality of the entries we had last time, and we hope many more of the amazing South West SME owners and the self-employed will take part this time around to prove again just how diverse and innovative our local small business communities are.’
For further information and to enter the awards, visit www.fsbawards.co.uk
