THE deadline for a hotly-contested south and west Dorset business award scheme has been extended.

Businesses have until noon today to enter the Open4Business (O4B) awards and be in contention for a variety of accolades.

The theme of this year’s awards is that ‘Winning Awards equals Winning Business’ and organisers and sponsors are urging firms to make the most of free publicity to boost their business and open up doors.

Entry is free and all entrants can enter up to two award categories.

Entries must be submitted via o4business.co.uk Julie Cleaver, managing director of Open4Business, said: “Due to exceptional demand the O4B Award entry deadline will be extended until midday today.

“One top tip for a successful entry is to answer all the questions first on a separate word document and then complete the online application form when you are totally happy with the content of your answers.

“Each application should take around 40 minutes to complete and businesses can enter in two categories. The benefits to a business in terms of free press and publicity can be really significant.

“It is not often you are given the chance to legitimately promote your business and generate free publicity.”

The Open4Business festival ‘Winning Business’ takes place between October 3 and 14.

The centrepiece will be the glitzy awards ceremony on October 6 at Weymouth College.

Call Kieran Hasler on 01305 208819 for tickets, but be quick.

See o4business.co.uk for more information.