Hosted by Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, the annual business awards are now open for entry for the twelfth year running.

Established for over a decade, the annual black tie ceremony has become known as Renfrewshire’s premier business event.

This year the chamber has also announced its main sponsor for 2015, the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Bob Davidson, chamber chief executive, commented: “We are delighted to have the MoD sponsor ROCCO 2015 as they seek to engage more with the many great companies we have in Renfrewshire.

“I encourage businesses and organisations from all sectors to enter this year. Winning a ROCCO is a great achievement _ the process we follow for selecting a winner is taken very seriously. Across the 16 categories we have something for everyone; from a sole trader or young entrepreneur and community group to well established SMEs and large corporates.

“You have plenty of time to enter the Rocco’s — but please don’t leave it to the last minute. You can enter as many categories as you wish, and if you are planning to attend — please book early — the ROCCO’s sell out every year well before the event.” The first ROCCO Awards were held in 2003 and have grown in size and stature ever since.

As well as rewarding local businesses, the awards ceremony also raises thousands of pounds for local charities and good causes.

Speaking of its latest sponsor, Colin Vooght, regional SaBRE campaign director, said: “The British Armed Forces are being restructured and by 2020 there will be a greater dependence on the contribution of Reservists who bring a high level of skill and experience to the Armed Forces that they have acquired in the course of their civilian lives.

“Defence, in turn, provides Reservists with a wide variety of training and additional skills, many of which are transferable back to their civilian roles and which would benefit their employers. Leadership, team work, physical fitness, integrity, selfless commitment and loyalty are all traits we expect and actively encourage in service personnel. Other skills such as first aid, driving qualifications, health and safety and more technical abilities are usually included in the ‘package’ that is a Reservist.” The ROCCO’s are free to enter for members based anywhere plus non-members that are based in Renfrewshire. The awards are open for entry until September 4. The shortlist will be announced end September and the winners announced at thr glitzy awards ceremony on Friday November, 20 at The Normandy Hotel in Renfrew, hosted by Fred MacAulay. For more info and to enter / book a table — please visit www.roccoawards.com