Trowbridge's businesses and their hard working employees are being honoured in the finals of the Service Excellence Awards which are taking place at the Civic Centre on Thursday.

The awards, now in their fifth year and organised by Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce, see the town’s companies and staff nominated by the public for the quality of service they provide. The event’s four categories include; retailer of the year, service provider of the year, retail employee of the year and service employee of the year.

Winning businesses will receive a £1,000 advertising package with the Wiltshire Times and winning employees will be given £500 cash prizes.

Emma Roberts, Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce vice president and head of the Service Excellence Awards Committee, praised the quality of this year’s entries, with the public nominating over 60 businesses.

She said: “There is a tremendous amount of passion that was exuded by those who truly believe in what they do. Their commitment to customer service excellence is inspirational.

“I have walked away with broadened insight and excitement for the future of Trowbridge business. Really there is no better way to celebrate or understand the commitment to quality and teamwork. A huge congratulations to all those who were nominated.”

Around 200 people are expected to attend Thursday’s ceremony. A drinks reception will begin at 6.30pm with the event, which includes a hot buffet, officially starting at 7.30pm.

Colin Kay, Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce and one of the competition’s judges, said: “The level of competition is very high this year and I think it is fantastic to see a real quality of service in Trowbridge.”

Tickets are still available for the ceremony, which is open to everyone, not just members of Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce. For more info email info@trowbridgechamber.co.uk

Finalists -

Retailer of the Year sponsored by Pearson May:

* Pet Planet
* Pilgrims
* Timpson

Service Provider of the Year sponsored by Office Evolution: 

* Active Trowbridge
* Priority IT Solutions
* The Polebarn Hotel

Retail Employee of the Year:

* Jasper Wilkins – Pink Planet Game Exchange
* Kirsty Whiffen – Tesco Extra
* Samantha Burgess – Boots at Adcroft Surgery

Service Employee of the Year:

* Alison Hough – Carewatch North West Wiltshire
* Julie Butcher – Hilperton Village Hall
* Sue Hawkins – Carewatch North West Wiltshire