THE deadline for the Altrincham and Sale Chamber of Commerce business awards has been extended, to accommodate demand.

This year’s business awards presentation evening will take place on October 15 at the Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham.

The deadline for the award nominations has been extended to August 28.

The awards are open to non-members of the chamber so firms can nominate suppliers or customer too.

BBC presenter Gordon Burns will again host the awards evening, which is in its fourth year.

It will be held in association with the Sale and Altrincham Messenger.

Sue Aldridge, CEO of the chamber said: “We have already received a substantial number of entries for this year's awards and they are of incredibly high calibre.

"I would urge any local business to get involved with these awards as they can be truly beneficial to your business.

"We want to be able to recognise the outstanding local businesses and the people behind them within our community.”

The event will get underway with a Champagne reception courtesy of the Cresta Court Hotel followed by a three course meal.

There are 10 categories for businesses to enter: Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Slater Heelis, Start Up Business of the Year, sponsored by Sale and Altrincham Messenger, Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Blackstone Solicitors, Property Team of the Year, sponsored by Bridging Finance, Young Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Trafford College, Provider of Professional Services, sponsored by Homes4U, Leisure and Tourism, sponsored by Turkish Airlines, Charity of the Year, sponsored by MLP Law, Business of the Year, sponsored by Trafford Council, and Employee of the Year, sponsored by Colemans ctts.

Nominations can be made on line at www.altrinchamchamber.co.uk/the-business-awards or by email to anne@altrinchamchamber.co.uk. Closing date is now August 28.

The judging panel this year is made up of:

Zee Hussain, president of the Altrincham and Sale Chamber of Commerce, Sue Aldridge, CEO of the chamber and a former student at Loreto and South Trafford colleges.

Tony Collier, chairman of the chamber who born in Altrincham and has lived and worked in the town ever since; Joan Scott, assistant principal of Trafford College; Michael Crutchley, editor of Sale and Altrincham Messenger.