THE Federation of Small Businesses has launched its annual business awards, which honour the cream of south Wiltshire enterprise.

The awards, which will be presented at a ceremony on July 7 at the White Hart Hotel in Salisbury, are now in their fifth year and are sponsored by the FSB, Business Link, Salisbury accountant Hugh Davies, the Learning & Skills Council and radio station Spire FM.

They are presented in four categories - businesses with a turnover of more than £500,000, businesses with a turnover of less than £500,000, best new business (businesses that have been trading less than a year) and training excellence.

Last year's winners were, respectively, Salisbury & District Value Cars, Farmer Giles' Farmstead, Wessex Raceway and First Steps Nursery.

David Lowe, director of Salisbury & District Value Cars, said the award had been "a great asset to the company in its advertising material".

"We were very happy to have won it and would recommend any business to go for it," he said.

FSB chairman Peter Beck said the awards were now a well-established part of the south Wiltshire business community's calendar.

"They recognise achievement, the contribution businesses make to the community and customer care," he said.

Winners will receive trophies, champagne and packages including free accountancy and business advice, and advertising on Spire FM.