THAMES Water has agreed to sponsor the gala awards dinner to be held later this year to celebrate all aspects of businesses in the Wycombe district.

Olympic gold medal oarsman Tim Foster will be the celebrity guest at the event at Wycombe Town Hall on September 21.

Thames Water will also be sponsoring the International Trade Award, one of ten categories to be awarded at the second Wycombe Business Excellence Awards. The awards are being promoted by Wycombe District Council, Buckinghamshire Lifelong Learning Partnership and Business Link.

Bilquis Mahmood of Thames Water said: "International trade is a vital component of many businesses within the Wycombe district and it is great that businesses which are success in the international arena are able to participate in the awards."

Sponsors for the other nine award categories are as follows:

Best Use of Information Technology SAS Software

Business Leaders of the Year Buckinghamshire Economic Partnership, supported by Buckinghamshire County Council

Company of the Year NatWest

Environment Award Biffa

Employee of the Year Manpower

Performance Through People Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College

Small Business of the Year Business Link, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire

Work Experience Award Buckinghamshire Education Business Partnership

Retailer of the Year Dreams plc.

Gareth Ralphs of Wycombe District Council said: "I am delighted that we have had such a positive feedback on sponsorship for the awards.

"The awards will provide great recognition for the best businesses within the Wycombe district and it is encouraging that so many people will be involved."

The closing date for entries is July 20.

For an information pack and/or a ticket reservation form for the gala dinner contact Judith Diment or Gemma Shewring at HBL Redvers Public Relations on 01628 418133 or e-mail: pr@hblredvers.com