CHOOSE Suffolk, the cross-sector agency which promotes business, investment and tourism within the county, is to be the main sponsor of the 2009 Anglian Business Awards.

CHOOSE Suffolk, the cross-sector agency which promotes business, investment and tourism within the county, is to be the main sponsor of the 2009 Anglian Business Awards.

Now in their 12th year, the awards - organised by the East Anglian Daily Times, part of media group Archant - will again be aiming to recognise and honour outstanding examples of business success and good practice across the region.

In its role as main sponsor, Choose Suffolk - formerly known as the Suffolk Development Agency and already an established supporter of the awards - will also lead the judging of the overall Business of the Year title, the recipient of which chosen from among the various category winners.

Celia Hutson, chief executive, of Choose Suffolk, said: “The Anglian Business Awards are instrumental in showcasing and rewarding the high quality and diversity of the region's business offer.

“As the pan-county organisation with the mandate to promote all that is great about this area, Choose Suffolk is thrilled to be offering its support to Archant as the main sponsor of this prestigious event.”

Terry Hunt, editor of the East Anglian Daily Times, added: “We are delighted that Choose Suffolk has agreed to support the 2009 Anglian Business Awards in this way.

“Despite the tough economic climate, we are determined that the awards will again be a celebration of the great businesses which are to be found within the region.

“The support of Choose Suffolk, which is at the forefront of ensuring a prosperous future for the county, will help to ensure that this is the case.”

The 2009 Anglian Business Awards will be launched for entries in early July, with the awards ceremony taking place at Trinity Park, Ipswich, Thursday, November 19.