An awards scheme is inviting more nominations as it bids to celebrate businesses in Barking and Dagenham.

Organisations in the borough can now enter the Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, supported by The Post, in a range of categories for free.

Green Business

The Green Business category is looking for entrants who can show their business's green credentials.

It is open to any business located either inside or outside of the borough but doing business in Barking and Dagenham.

Judges are looking for commitment to continuous environmental change, sustainability of business and its products or services and examples of green best practices.

An awards organiser said entrants might want to show how products and services are designed, produced or marketed with consideration to the environment.

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Training, Development and Supporting Education

This award is open to those who can identify the needs of their business and demonstrate their organisation's commitment to training and development.

Home Grown Talent

The Home Grown Talent award, sponsored by The Post, is looking for nominees who have contributed to the borough during their lifespan.

Businesses can be located inside of Barking and Dagenham or outside, if they have either started or operated for at least one year in the borough.

Judges are searching for evidence of a nominee's operating period in the borough, what they contribute to the borough, why they chose to start in Barking and Dagenham and plans for the next 12 months.

Business Person of the Year

This category is open to business owners or employees who have demonstrated leadership and motivational ability.

This is the only category where people cannot nominate themselves - they must be nominated by someone else.

The person must be working for or own a business or not-for-profit organisation in the borough.

A Chamber of Commerce spokesperson said they should have a good business track record and demonstrate vision, ability to motivate, determination, innovation, creativity and support for others.

They should be well-respected by customers and staff in the business and must show how their role has been central to the growth or success of the business.

At the 2022 awards, Carole Pluckrose, who runs The Boathouse Barking CIC, scooped Business Person of the Year.

Anyone submitting a nomination is asked to describe in 500 words or less why the person or organisation deserves recognition.

To enter, contact Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce by email info@bdchamber.co.uk or telephone 020 8591 6966.

The deadline is midnight on Tuesday, May 2.