TODAY we launch the Stroud Life Business Awards 2012 – the premier celebration of talented individuals and companies in the Five Valleys and Severn Vale.

Now in their fourth year, the awards' process is under way with the search on to find the local people and businesses who will capture the limelight at the gala awards dinner in July.

"The Stroud Life Business Awards have established themselves as the most prestigious event in the local calendar since they were first held in 2009," said Stroud Life's editor Jason Chare.

"They are a fantastic opportunity for the business community in the Five Valleys and Severn Vale to get together in a relaxed and jovial atmosphere to celebrate the area's best and most innovative companies."

As in previous years, local businesspeople and companies are invited to enter the awards, which recognise outstanding performance in a number of categories, or be nominated by a happy customer of client for one.

Something different for 2012 is that the panel of four permanent judges is augmented in each category by a representative of its sponsor.

There are new categories this year too, including the special Diamond Jubilee Business of the Year award, which will go to the business that has had the most positive impact on the area's economy as a whole.

Other categories include awards for the Businessperson of the Year, Small Business, Innovation Design and Excellence, Apprentice Development, Family Business, Environment, Young Businessperson, Communicator, Best Place to Work, Customer Care and Service and the Contribution to the Community Award.

The title sponsor of the Stroud Life Business Awards 2012 is Winterbotham Smith Penley, which has offices in Stroud, Nailsworth and Dursley.

One of the leading law firms in Gloucestershire, WSP offers expert advice and professional support for all individual and business needs from its team of solicitors and legal advisors.

This year's awards culminate with the glittering presentation dinner on Thursday, July 12 hosted by the BBC sports presenter Jill Douglas.

Staging the splendid occasion is the Old Lodge, a 400-year-old former hunting lodge which appropriately stands at the heart of the Five Valleys on Minchinhampton Common.

Jason is confident this year's awards will build on the success of their predecessors.

"The idea of recognising local business excellence has touched a nerve with local people and we're expecting a hefty influx of entrants in all the categories," he said.

"I have every confidence that we can build on the momentum of previous years and make this year's awards even bigger and better.

" No-one would pretend that the past 12 months have been easy for any business but I think we should grasp this opportunity to shine the spotlight on people and firms in the area that are performing well, helping to keep our local economy thriving and vibrant."