Excitement is mounting ahead of the Courier Business Awards 2016.
The annual celebration of the best in business in east central Scotland takes place on October 29 in a new venue at the Apex City Quay Hotel in Dundee.
The event, in association with chartered accountants Henderson Loggie, will be held in a bespoke marquee capable of accommodating 700 guests for a black-tie dinner.
Tickets are on sale now at www.thecourierbusinessawards.com.
A number of ticket packages are available for 2016, including a new offer aimed at start-ups and small businesses.
Entries for the awards closed last month and the first stage of the judging process will take place next week.
The judging panel will be led for a second year by Dundee-born Clydesdale Bank chairman Jim Pettigrew.
More than 140 entries have been received across the 17 award categories which cover sectors from digital, growth and manufacturing to rural, science and technology and best small business.
The shortlisted companies will also have the chance to pick up the ultimate accolade by being named as Business of the Year for 2016.
Dundee and Angus College is sponsoring the Apprentice of the Year category once again.
“A college qualification guarantees employers have well-trained staff and helps ensure they can compete in the business world,” D&A principal Grant Ritchie said.
“The nationally-recognised qualifications on offer at D&A College arm successful students with the skills demanded by today’s employers.
“Employers are more likely to recruit an apprentice when they know they have the support of D&A College, which has a long tradition of working with businesses and training apprentices.”
The Entrepreneur of the Year category is being sponsored by Elevator, a leading Scottish social enterprise dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, start-ups and high growth businesses.
The group is progressing a new entrepreneurial hub for Dundee.
Chief executive Professor Gary McEwan said he was delighted Elevator was involved with the business awards.
He said: “Elevator is passionate about celebrating business excellence, what better time to celebrate the high quality businesses we have in this region?
“We value highly the leaders who make an outstanding contribution to their company, industry sector, and the wider economy.
“It’s important to recognise businesses with ambition to innovate, diversify and scale to enhance job opportunities, and lead successful teams.
“These are the hero’s who transform economies, regionally and nationally.
“Our team looks forward to celebrating at the Courier Awards, the success of the entrepreneurs who are pioneering new products and services, new ways of working, adapting to changes in their industry, identifying and embracing opportunities.”