Scores of high flyers from across the county gathered to officially launch the Oxfordshire Business Awards 2007.

At a special celebration at the Brookes in the Park restaurant, Milton Park, near Didcot, many of the 2006 winners attended along with invited guests, those looking to enter next year's competition and award sponsors.

Now in its 13th year, the task of producing an even better competition does not become any easier but it is one that awards chairman Stephen Dexter is happy to embrace.

Mr Dexter said: "We want to congratulate the finalists and winners of the 2006 awards and we are aiming to make the 2007 competition the best yet.

"We are celebrating the success of Oxfordshire organisations. Every business that enters is a success simply because they are competing.

"We want to encourage as many businesses to apply as possible and maybe they will be here taking part in this celebration with us this time next year."

Other speakers at the event included Paul Morrow, managing director of the current Oxfordshire Business of the Year, Bicester-based bakery ingredients firm British Bakels, and Louise Rampe, co-founder of Milton Park laundry firm Purple Label, winner of the Small Business award.

Mr Morrow said: "Winning this award has really justified moving into Oxfordshire 11 years ago."

Ms Rampe added: "Winning has made an impact on the business and we have had a lot of new customers and expanded the area in which we operate.

"It has also helped with our own marketing as we were able to use the logo on our material and the last three months have been the most profitable and had the biggest impact on our turnover."

Now the hunt is on to find the new rising stars of the Oxfordshire business community.

Mr Dexter added: "We are looking for companies and individuals from all backgrounds to enter.

"As this year's winners have proved, there is so much to be gained from success."

Full details of the 11 categories and an entry form are available on the website, www.oxfordshirebusinessawards.co.uk. Applications must be submitted by March 9 2007. Those with queries should call the awards helpline, 0845 226 0128.