The search is officially on to find this year's best businesses in Epsom and Ewell.

The 2014 Epsom and Ewell Business Awards were launched yesterday morning at Metro Bank in Epsom High Street.

Now in its fourth year, the awards, sponsored by the Epsom Guardian, are open to all businesses and individual traders working within the borough, whether well established or new to the area.

Epsom and Ewell MP Chris Grayling, who will announce the award winners in November, was joined by businessmen and women at Friday's launch.

Mr Grayling said: “Epsom and Ewell has always had a dynamic business community, and our businesses continue to provide an excellent service to their customers even in difficult times economically.

"These awards are a celebration of local business excellence, to give both companies and individuals the chance to nominate organisations that do a particularly good job for them.

"I hope the awards will become a regular event locally and something that local businesses compete to be successful in.”

Your Local Guardian:

Chris Grayling MP gives a speech at the awards launch

Epsom Guardian editor Sean Duggan said: "The Epsom Guardian is delighted to support the business awards again.

"The awards will continue to boost the borough's business community, as well as giving some well earned publicity to those organisations providing oustanding service even under the current challenging trading conditions."

Your Local Guardian:

Business leaders and representatives listen to Mr Grayling's speech

There are nine award categories, which are:

Best Overall Business; Commitment to the Community; Customer Service; Best Business Personality; Best New Business; Best Business in Epsom & Epsom Downs; Best Business in Ewell & Stoneleigh; Best Business in Ashtead and Best Young Entrepreneur.

The deadline for entries is Tuesday, September 30.

The awards will be presented by Chris Grayling at a drinks recption on Thursday, November 20.

Click here to enter your business in the Epsom and Ewell Business Awards 2014.