DOUBLE the amount of entries have been submitted to this year's IW Chamber of Commerce Business Awards for Excellence.

The prestigious awards night promises to be bigger and better than ever before, and the shortlist of nominated businesses will be announced soon.

The Chamber's chief executive Steven Holbrook said: "We're hugely excited about making the awards even bigger than ever. I'm thrilled to see so many businesses taking part.

"With more than double the number of submissions this year, it is going to be highly competitive. Some major Island businesses will be going head to head, so it's certainly a significant challenge being posed for the judges.

"It's great to see how many new businesses have engaged, not just with the Chamber, but in analysing and assessing their own business in a different way.

"Regardless of the outcome of a nomination, each business who has taken the time to compete will already be better for it."

This year sees new categories including employer of the year, hospitality business of the year and retailer of the year.

The awards reflect a wide range of sectors and sizes of business, from across the Island economy, and are open to any Island business, whether they are Chamber members or not.

The awards will be presented by TV presenter Anneka Rice at a glittering ceremony at Cowes Yacht Haven on Friday, November 30.