THE city's biggest business awards are back - and they promise to be better than ever before.

Entries for the Glasgow Business Awards open this week and the call is going out to every firm to enter.

The competition is the most important in Scotland's business calendar, and the Evening Times is media partner.

Organised by the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, some of the city's best-known and best-loved names have been honoured during its history.

Arnold Clark, Allied Vehicles, Barrhead Travel and Rainbow Room International are just a few of the names to have triumphed at the event. This is the 11th year of the awards, and to mark the occasion, the biggest party yet and some new awards categories have been created.

Richard Cairns, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: "I'd like to encourage all businesses based in Glasgow and Greater Glasgow to enter.

"The awards allow us to acknowledge the immense amount businesses across Glasgow and beyond contribute to the economy, ensuring Glasgow remains Scotland's economic powerhouse.

"Businesses are at the heart of life in Glasgow, and deliver so much of what makes Glasgow great. That's something we should celebrate.

"This year's awards will be even bigger than before. We are introducing new award categories that are accessible to everyone, new entertainment and a new event format.

Some of the changes include the introduction of the Business Deal of the Year title, and Glasgow Business Leader of the Year - a category aimed at recognising the people making a difference to their firms and Glasgow as a whole.

But the changes don't end with the categories - the whole night is being revamped.

Taking place at the Crowne Plaza, the party is to continue until the wee small hours.

Winning firms are being chauffeur-driven across the Clyde Arc to the Alea Casino on Springfield Quay where the winners will be whisked away to a private VIP reception.

TV star Bryan Burnett is being lined up as the compere and new entertainment is aimed at creating a fun atmosphere.

One thing that hasn't changed, however, is the category chosen by you - The Evening Times Favourite Business Award. We want you to tell us which firm deserves the honour. It could be a place that delivers great service or a restaurant you love eating in.

We want to hear your suggestions, and next week we will draw up a shortlist of six firms. Then you will get to vote for the finalist you think deserves to win.

Last year, Auchentoshan won the award. Ian Macallum, manager of the distillery, said: "Receiving the award was a great honour. It showed us the city cares for Scotch Whisky."