BUSINESSES are being given their last chance to enter the Open 4 Business awards 2012.

The main sponsor of the awards is Weymouth College, where the awards ceremony will be held on October 25.

Principal Liz Myles said: “On behalf of the students, staff and governors of Weymouth College, could I say how pleased we are to be involved with Open 4 Business, and to be given the opportunity to once again host the prestigious Open 4 Business Awards Ceremony.

“Our relationship with Open 4 Business now spans six years and, as we move forward we are very much looking forward to continuing to support Open 4 Business in their efforts to help materialise the many benefits that the Olympic Games legacy will undoubtedly bring to Weymouth, Portland and South Dorset generally.”

Members of the public are being urged to vote for their favourite restaurant and bar in the Best of Dorset Food and Drink category, Best Employer and most Inspirational Young Person.

All Dorset businesses may apply for up to two awards.

Organisers say that entering the awards brings positive publicity and recognition across the county.

It is also a chance for local firms to reflect and refresh their business plans when preparing entries.

The awards categories are: Best Community Engagement Project, sponsored by Battens Solicitors; Best Small and Medium Business, sponsored by Lloyds TSB; Best Innovation or Service, sponsored by SALT; Best Large Business, sponsored by Old Mill Financial; Best Employer, sponsored by Wessex FM; Best New Business, sponsored by the Dorset LEP; Best Customer Focus, sponsored by Puragen; Best Marketing Campaign, sponsored by Resort Marketing; Best of Dorset Food and Drink, sponsored by D J Property; Outstanding Personal Contribution, sponsored by Porter Dodson; Inspirational Young Person, sponsored by Equation Accounting; and Business of the Year, sponsored by Weymouth College.

To enter go to 04business.co.uk.

The awards entry deadline is 5pm today.