INVERCLYDE’S top business awards enjoyed a big premier for their 2016 launch.

The Bees Knees search for the area’s top talent and most innovative industries began at the Waterfront Cinema.

Now in its 13th year, the organisers use the awards to showcase the enterprising spirit of people locally. 

Greenock Chamber of Commerce is looking for candidates for the emerging young talent category and best performing small business, among others.

Chamber of Commerce president Steven Watson said: “In our Inverclyde Business Community, we have a great deal to be proud of.

“Our Bee’s Knees Awards initiative is the ideal platform for businesses to showcase their achievements, raise their profile and enhance their reputation.

“It continues to go from strength to strength each year. In our Inverclyde business community we have a great deal to be proud of.”

The nominations are as follows: Emerging Young Talent – sponsored by Inverclyde Council, Manufacturer or Producer of the Year – sponsored by Kip Marina, Excellence in Customer Focus – sponsored by University of the West of Scotland , Excellence in Marketing & Communications – sponsored by Oak Mall Shopping Centre, Excellence in Skills and Learning – sponsored by West College Scotland, Best Use of New Technology or Innovation – sponsored by Autotec Scotland Ltd, Best Performing Small Business – sponsored by Business Gateway, Best Performing Medium Business – sponsored by Caledonian MacBrayne, Best Performing Large Business – sponsored by Riverside Inverclyde, Inverclyde Goes Global - sponsored by Texas Instruments (UK) Ltd and Lifetime Achievement Award – sponsored by Greenock Chamber of Commerce.

The deadline for entry for the 11 categories is Monday February 29. You can find out more about the categories and enter online at www.greenockchamber.co.uk