PEOPLE are a company's greatest asset, it is said.

Now Huddersfield businesses have the chance to show how well they live up to that idea.

Nominations are invited for the Employer of the Year class in the prestigious Huddersfield Examiner Business of the Year Awards.

The award for this category will be presented to the company that best shows how well it looks after its employees.

The judges will look for evidence of training and development, personal care and the working environment, as well as terms and conditions of employment.

The winning company may be recognised for its success in helping employees up the career ladder or for its attention to training or mentoring.

It may win the award for taking a keen interest in the welfare of its workers or for encouraging employees to comment on the way the business operates - and to come up with ideas for improvements.

The awards are sponsored by leading law firm Chadwick Lawrence, which has offices in Huddersfield.

The competition will culminate in a glittering black tie awards ceremony and gala dinner at the Galpharm Stadium in November.

Entries are being invited for 10 categories. They are for businesses of all sizes and cover a wide range of achievements.

Organisations across the Huddersfield area are responding enthusiastically to the chance to apply for the awards.

The judging panel will select a shortlist of three entries for each category - with the exception of the Business Person of the Year class, where only a winner will be chosen.

Shortlisted entries will be announced in the Examiner and the winner will be revealed at the awards ceremony.