A BUSINESS awards scheme is urging enterprising firms to enter – with the chance to claim a year’s free energy as the top prize.

The Best of Britain Business Awards 2019, organised by Love Energy Savings, will honour inspirational companies that have made a difference to their customers, community or the planet.

Phil Foster, CEO of Love Energy Savings, said applications are open for the awards that are now in their sixth year. He said: “We know there are some fantastic businesses across the UK that are outshining their rivals at the same time as undertaking some highly philanthropic feats.

“This can be innovation in their industry that will make a difference for years to come, looking at how changing their business practices can have a positive effect on the environment, or charitable work that helps local communities. We want to really shout about their achievements and the Best of Britain Business Awards 2019 will showcase the amazing things they’re doing. It’s all about rewarding and recognising passionate people and groups who are making a real difference.”

The competition is split into five regions – Wales, Scotland, North of England, South of England and Midlands – with a £200 prize up for grabs in each, sponsored by EDF, Total Gas & Power, Octopus Energy, Avanti Gas and Love Energy Savings. The winners will then progress to compete for the Grand Prize, which includes an eye-catching trophy and a year’s free energy courtesy of Love Energy Savings themselves.

All five regional winners will also be invited to a celebratory round table event at the Love Energy Savings HQ in Bolton in November, where they will be able to swap advice and discuss future ventures.

The event will be heavily publicised, giving the businesses valuable press coverage.

Mr Foster added: “The list of successful entrants over the five years since we launched the awards is diverse.

“It includes caravan parks, hairdressers, funeral directors and a charity restoring a derelict rural Victorian estate in South Wales.

“We have also had an innovative chocolatier and a firm that set up a nanny sharing scheme in London.

“The message is clear to anyone thinking of entering: what you do doesn’t matter, if you’ve made a real impact and have plenty of passion then we want to hear from you.”

The application process runs until October 4, with the regional winners announced a week later (October 11).

The Grand Prize winner, which will be decided via a public Facebook vote, is set to be unveiled on October 18.

The entry form is simple to complete, with candidates asked to answer one question: “Tell us why you should win?”

Love Energy Savings, based in Bolton, Greater Manchester, is the UK’s leading energy and utility price comparison and procurement specialist for business customers.

The company has grown rapidly in recent years, and expects to quadruple its customer base and double annual profit to £10 million by 2021.

For more visit bestofbritain.loveenergysavings.com/.