HALTON businesses are encouraged to celebrate their skills and achievements.

They are invited to enter the first-ever Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Liverpool City Region Business Awards, Firms in Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens, Halton and Wirral now have until Monday, October 5, 2015 to apply.

Phil McCabe, development Manager of FSB Merseyside, West Cheshire and Wigan said: “Business awards are often seen as the preserve of big companies with huge marketing budgets.

“These awards are specifically designed for all small and medium enterprises in the city region to celebrate their successes.

"If you haven't already entered, our message is: the time is now.

“Do it now in order to stand a chance of winning, with all the benefits that can bring to your business.”

The final on Thursday, November 5 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Liverpool, will give small firms and sole traders the chance to let their hair down and celebrate their achievements.

Entry to the awards is free and open to all companies with fewer than 250 employees or sole traders based in Liverpool City Region.

Firms who commenced business before January 2013 and new businesses who started after January 2013 are eligible.

Categories include best new business, apprentice of the year, manufacturing business of the year, not for profit business/organisation of the year and young business person of the year.

More information visit liverpoolbusinessawards.co.uk.