THE new Wycombe Business Excellence Awards have been launched, endorsed by some leading industry bosses.

Judith Diment, spokeswoman for the launch, said: "George Cox from the Institute of Directors was there. I thought that was quite encouraging."

The awards launch, sponsored by Wycombe District Council and Buckinghamshire Lifelong Learning Partnership, was also addressed by James White, a top business consultant and principal of JWA Associates.

Mr White, who has given business advice to many leading firms, spoke about what made a business excellent.

Mrs Diment said: "He spoke about what the ingredients are. It was fascinating.

"He helps people to look into ways to improve. He was saying how companies can improve just with some simple changes."

The meeting last Thursday drew 45 leading business men from all over the district.

Senior figures from the world of business also came from London.

She said Dr David Mason, head of business development at the South East England Development Agency, was also there.

Mrs Diment said the awards were there to publicise and reward good businesses in Wycombe.

She said: "There are a lot of good businesses in Wycombe doing a lot of good things and this is an opportunity to tell the world about it.

"The awards can recognise the whole of companies or individuals, employee of the year, or businessman or woman of the year."

The ten categories are: Company of the year, best use of IT, business leaders of the year, the international trade award and the environment award.

Employee of the year, small business of the year, performance through people award, retailer of the year and a work experience award.

The closing date for entries for the awards is July 20.

The final ceremony is a gala black tie dinner on September 21.