BUSINESSES in Bicester were urged to ‘keep the flame burning’ and look forward to better times ahead, at this week's launch of the Bicester Business Awards.

The competition is organised by Bicester Vision, Bicester Chamber of Commerce, Bicester Hotel, Golf & Spa – with the support of The Oxford Times’s sister paper, the Bicester Advertiser.

Chairman of the organisers, Bob Langton, said: “Many businesses in Cherwell have had a tough time these past 18 months – but there is a flame burning which is encouraging people to do things differently with their businesses and get through this recession to better times ahead.

“We have some fantastic success stories in our town – growing exports, involvement with Formula One through companies such as Wirth which has just linked up with Richard Branson at Virgin F1, together with a growing number of niche businesses starting up from scratch over the past year or two.

"There is much new energy and enterprise in the town – and we want to capture some of that with our awards.”

Adrian Shooter, of Chiltern Railways, said: “We believe that these awards will encourage people to showcase their achievements – many often hiding their lights under a bushel.”

Keith Watson, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, said: “People don’t have to wait to be nominated – they or their companies can nominate themselves. We are encouraging each sponsor to join us in the judging of their category.” Entry is via the website www.bicestervision.co.uk. The deadline is February 28.