THE first Blackburn and Darwen Business Awards organised by the borough’s Hive network have been officially launched.

Firms and entrepreneurs have until March 9 to enter the competition, which will have its presentation evening at Blackburn Cathedral in April.

With 12 awards, it aims to celebrate everything good and ground-breaking about business, innovation and creativity in the borough.

Khalid Saifullah, chairman of the Hive Network and director of Star Tissue UK, said: “The Hive business leaders network is pleased to announce that the inaugural Hive Blackburn and Darwen Business Awards is now open to businesses, organisations and individuals based in Blackburn and Darwen.

“It’s a great chance for all businesses in the borough to shout about what they do and celebrate the extraordinary people working for them.

“We look forward to receiving entries and celebrating with everyone on the night.”

2015 Hive Blackburn and Darwen Business Awards is backed by Blackburn College and Capita.

There are 12 categories, including the Hive Chairman’s Award, the Arte et Labore Award and The Young Entrepreneur and The Bright Spark Award.

Other categories include: The Eureka Award, The Newcomer Award, The International Achievement Award, The High Growth Award, The Manufacturing Excellence Award, The Creative Agency Award, The Investing in the Future Award and The Enterprise in Education Award.

More information, including full details of how to enter is available at hivebusinessawards.co.uk The final awards night will be a black tie event on Thursday April 30 at Blackburn Cathedral.

Entries now open until March 9.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council leader Kate Hollern said: “We have an abundance of great businesses and talented business people in the Borough and the Hive awards will give the perfect platform to celebrate and promote that fact.

“It promises to be an exciting night at the beautiful Blackburn Cathedral.”

Nicola Clayton, director of business development and external engagement at Blackburn College, said: “We are delighted to be co-headline sponsor of these awards.

“As a college we work closely with many local businesses and are constantly witness to their achievements and what they do for the Borough.

“This is a great chance for them to get deserved recognition for that.”

Lee Conroy, of Capita, said the firm is “proud” to sponsor the awards.