THIS year’s Oxfordshire Business Awards promise to be bigger and better than ever, despite the recession. A sudden rush of last-minute entries meant the deadline was extended to March 2.

With more than 160 received, chairman Paul Lowe, of Darbys Solicitors, is delighted by the response. He said: “I am delighted to report the number of entries received this year is up by a third on last year.”

He attributed the rise in popularity to the fact that business people tended to be less busy because of the economic downturn, but were seeking ways to differentiate themselves from the opposition.

“They see the value in increasing their profile, and in boosting the self-belief of staff, who may be worried about their future.”

Mr Lowe said the increase in entries was partly due to the introduction of a new categories. Companies which have found success in export markets could enter the UKTI International Trader of the Year Award, sponsored by the Government organisation UK Trade and Investment.

Organisers have also changed the name of three awards. The Business Link New Business Award, open to start-ups less than four years old, replaces the start-up award.

The Business Person of the Year becomes the Bottle PR Business Entrepreneur of the Year and there is also the Shaw Gibbs Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for those aged under 35. Judges will now be deciding which companies to visit so that they can draw up the final shortlist.

The three contenders in each category will be chosen in May, and on Friday, June 19, they will attend the awards ceremony at the Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel, Sandford.