The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) last week launched its flagship Chamber Business Awards at the London Stock Exchange.

London Chamber of Commerce & Industry members AnyJunk, last year’s winner of the ‘Business of the Year’ award, had the honour of opening the day’s trading. The prestigious competition is one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, recognising and promoting the best of British business through a series of regional heats, culminating in a Gala Awards Dinner, which will take place at Tobacco Dock, London on 29 November.

Entries open today and will be accepted until midnight on Friday 29 June. This year’s winner of the Business of the Year award will have the same chance to open the market at the London Stock Exchange as a prize, a rare opportunity for a private business. Companies can enter nine categories, covering exports, small business, exemplary employers, technology, high-growth, customer commitment, partnerships with the education sector, digital communications, and workplace wellbeing.

Sponsors of this year’s awards include Bibby Financial Services, DHL, Legal and General, The London Stock Exchange, Qdos Consulting and RADA in Business. Francis Martin, President of the British Chambers of Commerce said:

“Businesses are the driving force of the UK economy, generating jobs, prosperity and growth. Every year, the Chamber Network celebrates the best of British business, and recognises their contribution to both local communities and the wider economy.

“Every time I visit Chamber member businesses I’m struck by the time and resources they invest in developing the technology and talent of tomorrow. The Awards acknowledge the relentless efforts of these businesses and their talented employees.

“Each year the calibre and diversity of applicants to the Chamber Business Awards surpasses our expectations, and we look forward to seeing the scope of great companies that apply this year.”

Jason Mohr of AnyJunk, Winner of the ‘Business of the Year’ award 2017, said: “Everyone at AnyJunk is extremely proud to have been recognised in this way. To have been chosen from hundreds of companies across the UK is a huge honour and one we’ll do our very best to live up to. Getting to open the London Stock Exchange is definitely the icing on the cake.”

Marcus Stuttard, Head of UK Primary Markets & Head of AIM, London Stock Exchange Group said: “We are proud to support the Chamber Business Awards and celebrate the best of British business. London Stock ExchangeGroup is committed to supporting the most ambitious firms, allowing them to scale and grow