WE’RE on the hunt for winners!

Hard-working companies across the Examiner circulation area have been bucking the national economic trend to achieve success over the past 12 months.

They have been bringing in valuable orders, boosting sales and profits, investing in plant and machinery and creating jobs. They have supported training, developed new products and services and generated wealth for the local economy.

The seventh annual Examiner Business Awards aims to recognise the skills and enterprise of these stand-out businesses.

The Examiner has been joined once again by long-standing event sponsor Chadwick Lawrence in the search to find the businesses and individuals who make a major contribution to the local economy.

The competition will culminate in a glittering awards night at the Galpharm Stadium when senior figures from the local business community will join category finalists, sponsors, their guests and the awards judges in the celebrations.

Entries are invited for 11 categories – New Business of the Year, SME of the Year, Business of the Year, Community Award, Green Award, International Business of the Year, Huddersfield "Place to Make It" Award, Innovation and Enterprise Award, Employer of the Year, Young Business Person of the Year and Business Person of the Year.

A panel of judges will choose the category winners, who will receive trophies and certificates at the spectacular awards night on Thursday, November 8, at the Galpharm Stadium.

BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration, who has been involved with the awards since their launch, will again host the gala event, which will also feature a celebrity speaker.

Jeremy Garside, managing partner of Chadwick Lawrence, called on companies to take part in the town’s top business awards – and showcase their talents and achievements.

He said: "Chadwick Lawrence is delighted to sponsor the Examiner Business Awards for the seventh year running.

"Chadwick Lawrence is a key player in bringing local businesses together. As an active member of the Yorkshire business community, the company attributes much of its success to the local profile it has worked hard to build.

"This constant interaction with the region’s businesses means Chadwick Lawrence understands the issues facing companies based in Yorkshire and are ideally placed to help.

"Having had a major presence in Huddersfield town centre over a number of years, the law firm has recently invested in a Leeds city centre office, giving the company true coverage of the West Yorkshire region and affirming its position as Yorkshire’s Legal People."

Examiner editor Roy Wright said: "In these troubled economic times there's more reason than ever to celebrate business success.

"Companies of all sizes across a wide range of sectors have overcome serious challenges to boost exports, create jobs, bring new products and services to market and invest in their staff and equipment.

"The Examiner Business Awards 2012 provide a chance to recognise that hard work. Why not be part of all that's best about trade and industry in Huddersfield – and raise the profile of your business – by entering the awards?"

To enter, visit www.examinerbusinessawards.co.uk and download an entry form. Alternatively, you call the events team on 01484 437702 or email businessawards@examiner.co.uk to request a copy.

The deadline for entries is Friday September 7, 2012.

All entries received will be reviewed by our independent panel of judges and the shortlists announced in paper in September.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony hosted by Harry Gration on Thursday, November 8, at the Galpharm Stadium.