THE Express & Echo officially launched its inaugural Business Awards at the Chamber November lunch.
With eight categories covering areas from innovation and environmental impact to tourism and hospitality, the awards will culminate in a prestigious ceremony in the city in April 2011.
It follows the Echo's Exeter Bites Back campaign, which set out to boost confidence during the recession by highlighting local business success stories.
Echo editor Marc Astley said: "Despite the testing economic climate, there is still much to be positive about in Exeter.
"We are therefore proud to be launching an event that will recognise and reward the businesses and individuals who have achieved exceptional results in such trying circumstances.
As a city with a vibrant business community, it is only right that Exeter has an awards event to call its own."
The main sponsor of the Express & Echo Business Awards 2011 is South West Communications Group, while a variety of other sponsorship opportunities are still available.
For more information visit: exeterbusinessawards.co.uk