INVERCLYDE'S brightest and best businesses will be put in the limelight thanks to a new awards scheme.

The chamber of commerce have launched their new ICON awards to recognise success right across the board.

The new prizes replace the former Bee's Knees scheme which was in place for several years.

Some of the biggest names on the high street will be up for ICON awards, along with rising stars.

There is also a category for outstanding charity and one organisation will have the honour of being crowned Inverclyde's Favourite Business.

Chamber of Commerce president Gavin McDonagh said: "There is so much to celebrate in Inverclyde right now, from the Diodes factory to the food and drinks industry.

"We hope our new ICON awards will recognise this.

"We are also really keen to recognise charities as well.

"We are all very excited about our new awards."

Nominations are now open for the awards.

Other categories which will be up for grabs under the new format include food and drink, tourism and manufacturing.

Inverclyde Council is sponsoring the new awards scheme along with other backers like West College Scotland and Riverside Inverclyde.

Depute council leader Jim Clocherty said: “We are once again delighted to be a supporter of the chamber business awards.

"Our business development and business gateway teams work hand in hand with existing businesses and new-starts to support and grow business in the area.

"They get the chance to see first-hand the wealth of business talent here, and the chamber business awards is an opportunity to showcase all the talent and innovation right here in Inverclyde.”