A TOWN’S new chamber of commerce chief has praised the rejuvenation of an awards event that celebrates the very best of business in Slough.

The Observer has teamed up with Enbright Services Limited to launch the Slough Business Awards 2015.

The awards, open to 18,000 companies operating in the SL postcode, have 15 categories including Business of the Year, Excellence in Skills and Start up Business of the Year.

Eacotts Accountants, a chartered accountants serving the Thames Valley, is supporting the awards and has signed up as a gold sponsor.

Jeffrey Smith, managing partner and newly-appointed president of Slough Chamber of Commerce, said: “We support this event because it will showcase the strength of Slough’s economy built by its cosmopolitan business community, and attract others to the Thames Valley.” He added: “Slough is a great place to do business. I think it’s underestimated and has made great progress. It does a fantastic job in creating businesses, running established businesses and providing work for all the town and areas around it.” The firm is sponsoring the SME Business of the Year award. Mr Smith added: “The company that wins the award will be capable of serious imagination and have the ability to plan well. It has to show it will grow in the future and show Slough is benefiting from the company being here.” Heathrow has signed up as the platinum sponsor for the event with Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group, East Berkshire College, Slough Borough Council and Santander also gold sponsors.

They are joined by an array of silver, bronze and key service sponsors, as well as Berkshire Media Group, The Observer’s parent company, teaming up with the organisers as media sponsor.

The deadline for applications is January 15, 2015. The finalists will be announced on January 30, 2015, and the winners will be named at a gala awards dinner on March 26, 2015.