Entries for the Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce Business Awards are open and we are focusing on three of the categories that can be entered for free.

The awards, of which the Post is a sponsor, are designed to celebrate the best of the borough's businesses.

The deadline for entry is 5pm on Tuesday, April 16.

There are 11 categories, and you can enter as many categories as you meet the criteria for.

Here is a closer look at three of the categories.

Innovation through the Use of Digital Media

Barking and Dagenham Post: The team at The PartyBox, the winners of the Innovation through the use of digital media category in 2023The team at The PartyBox, the winners of the Innovation through the use of digital media category in 2023 (Image: Sandra Rowse)

This is open to all businesses, charities, and not for profit organisations that have diversified or innovated with their use of digital technology.

The judges will look for the extent to which companies have used digital technology to enhance business growth and customer engagement.

Business Growth

Barking and Dagenham Post: Winners of the 2023 Business Growth category: L-R Pius Ejionamhen, Managing Director, LifeForce Security, John Collings, Director, Online Lubricants and David Collings, Managing Director, Online Lubricants Winners of the 2023 Business Growth category: L-R Pius Ejionamhen, Managing Director, LifeForce Security, John Collings, Director, Online Lubricants and David Collings, Managing Director, Online Lubricants (Image: Sandra Rowse)

In addition to innovation, the Business Growth category is for those which have demonstrated substantial growth in their market over the past two years.

Criteria for this category include growth against business plan and proven growth through business figures.

Judges will also look at plans for future growth targets over the next 12 months.

Customer Service

Barking and Dagenham Post: Farley Shelkin, Managing Director, Dagenham Travel with his Awards for 2023 winning both Customer Service and the overall Business of the Year 2023Farley Shelkin, Managing Director, Dagenham Travel with his Awards for 2023 winning both Customer Service and the overall Business of the Year 2023 (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Customer service is the third field highlighted this week.

The category offers an opportunity for businesses that are committed to customer satisfaction and service excellence to be recognised.

The judges will assess businesses for their commitment and dedication to outstanding customer service.

The chamber's president Jamie Banks said: "Entering is an excellent way to promote your business and gain recognition for your achievements.

"The Barking & Dagenham Chamber of Commerce Business Awards are a wonderful platform for celebrating and generating business success."

He added that there are plenty of opportunities to participate and encouraged businesses, whether located in Barking and Dagenham or outside, to take advantage of the chance to increase their company's profile.

The awards dinner and presentation ceremony will be held on June 6, and finalists will receive two complimentary invitations to join.

To enter and for more information, contact info@bdchamber.co.uk or call 020 8591 6966.