The Oxfordshire Business Awards are one of the highlights in the county's business calendar and now is the time to start thinking about putting your name forward.

This year, organisers are looking to build on 2001's highly successful format in a bid to attract as many entries as possible from an even wider range of backgrounds.

Newly appointed co-ordinator Penny Berlin said: "Last year's awards provided us with a winning format and there was a very interesting mix of companies ranging from a child care firm to a garden centre."

Last year's Oxfordshire business of the year was Optical Filters, based in Thame, which makes a shield for computer and television screens. It also won the innovation category with its EmiClare shield, fitted to electronic displays to protect from glare, loss of contrast due to sunlight, electro-magnetic interference and impact.

Business person of the year was Dr Andrew Rickman, founder and chairman of Bookham Technology, at Milton Park, near Abingdon, who at 39, became one of the youngest chief executives of a FTSE 100 company.

The new business category went to skip hire firm Aasvogel, of Grove.

The developing people category award went to printing firm Alden Group, of Osney Mead, Oxford.

Best website category winner was Marston Auto Parts.

The customer care award prize went to family-run gardening centre Frosts at Milletts Farm, Frilford. More than 250 people are expected to pack into the Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel, at Sandford on Thames, for the awards on July 5.

A significant new sponsor this year is Oxford Innovation, which is joining The Oxford Times in sponsoring the Innovation Award. Other sponsors are computer firm Torex, of Stonesfield, law firm Darbys, Four Pillars Hotels, FOX FM, the Learning and Skills Council for Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, business advisers Grant Thornton, Lloyds TSB and Business Link.

Entry forms can be obtained from Ms Berlin on 01865 811193 or from the website at www.oxfordshirebusinessawards.co.uk.

Entries must be returned to The Oxfordshire Business Awards, Grant Thornton, 1 Westminster Way, Oxford OX2 0PZ by April 15.