ENTRIES are flying in for the Press Business Awards 2014 as previous winners speak about the boost to business brought about by the accolade.

The awards are now in their 24th year and celebrate the achievements of all kinds of businesses in 16 categories, including an overall winner's crown.

This year The Press has welcomed on board a new overall sponsor in the form of insurance giant Hiscox, which is this year building a new £19 million office in York's city centre.

Hiscox is also sponsoring a new award for 2014 - the Technology Business of the Year award, celebrating the innovative creation of new technologies and the businesses that have pushed the boundaries to create them.

As the entries start to come in for a variety of awards, some of 2013's winners have been speaking about what winning a Press Business Awards title has meant for them.

Winning one of the big awards on the night, the Large Business of the Year category, which is sponsored by HSBC, was Sheppee International.

The Elvington-based manufacturer, whose machinery is used by glass bottle producers around the world, also took the Overall Winner prize, and was named Dare to Export Winner.

Jon Wilson, managing director of Sheppee, which employs 45 people, says since winning its trio of awards the business is shaping up for another strong year.

He said: "From a moral point of view winning the awards certainly made a big impact.

"There was a nice feeling among all the staff that they have achieved something and it has been recognised.

"The nice thing was that we won three awards, which made is an exceptional year for us."

Also taking home a trophy on the night was Richard Grafton Interiors, which won New Business of the Year, sponsored by York Science Park.

Richard Grafton, who launched the £1 million retail and commercial design business in Harrogate in 2013, said: "Being able to talk about ourselves as an award winning business has given that extra mark of credibility.

"It has been fantastic for moral in terms of the whole team, and has made all the hard work worth while.

"In terms of brand awareness it has also really helped to raise our profile across North Yorkshire."

Winning the Tourism and Hospitality Business of the Year last year was Now and Then Events.

Co-founder Alex Claydon said: "Winning a Press Business Award has given us a good base to move forward and grow from.

"It has helped raise our profile across York and has been especially great for us as prepare to launch our corporate events service later this summer."

The Press Business Awards have helped to raise the profile of many businesses across the region.

All entries, win or lose, will be featured in as a business profile on the Business Pages of The Press.

As well as gaining clients' attention and motivating and rewarding staff, the finalists in the 14 categories will be invited to attend an exclusive black-tie dinner at York Racecourse on November 20.

To enter visit www.yorkpress.co.uk/business/awards