The deadline for the Barking & Dagenham Chamber of Commerce Business Awards is closing in, so here are some more categories that can be entered for free.

The awards are held to celebrate the businesses in the borough that are excelling, and businesses are able to submit themselves into as many categories as they meet the criteria for. 

Businesses who wish to enter themselves into the awards, sponsored by The Post, must do so by 5pm on April 16. 

Here's a closer look at three of the total 12 categories, including a brand new one. 

Green Business

The Green Business category is open to businesses located within Barking and Dagenham. 

It also extends to businesses located outside the borough but that operate in it. 

Businesses entering themselves in this category must be able to prove themselves on a number of levels.

This includes being able to demonstrate their commitment to continuous environmental change and sustainability in their products and/or services amongst others. 

Romford Recorder: Fix Auto Dagenham pictures at the 2023 awardsFix Auto Dagenham pictures at the 2023 awards (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Training, Development & Supporting Education

This category is only open to businesses, charities and not-for-profit organisations located within Barking and Dagenham.

Businesses must have excellent training, education and/or development practices. 

Judges will be checking for proof of the identification of the workforce needs within the business and a demonstration of the organisation's commitment to training, development and/or education of its workforce amongst other points. 

Charity & Community

The Charity & Community category is a new one on the awards list this year.

The addition enables those running a charity, community organisation or a business running a campaign/fundraiser for charity to be honoured. 

Businesses entering this new category must be located within Barking and Dagenham or be operating within the borough. 

Judges will be looking for examples of activities, evidence of their achievements and engagement with the community, the activity's positive impact within the borough, and a plan and execution within available resources.

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Romford Recorder: Marcus Dixon won employee of the year at the 2023 awardsMarcus Dixon won employee of the year at the 2023 awards (Image: Sandra Rowse)

The business of the year category will be awarded by the judging panel and is only open to the winners of each of the other categories.

Outstanding individuals will also be recognised and can be nominated for within the employee of the year and business person of the year categories.

The chamber's president, Jamie Banks, said: "Entering is an excellent way to promote your business and gain recognition for your achievements.

"The Barking & Dagenham Chamber of Commerce Business Awards are a wonderful platform for celebrating and generating business success."

An awards dinner and presentation ceremony for finalists will take place on June 6.

To enter your business and for more information, contact info@bdchamber.co.uk or call 020 8591 6966.