Awards chairman Mark Monaghan said they would now be called the Banjo Business Awards, in recognition of the region’s most famous bush poet Banjo Paterson.

“Along with the name change we will be introducing nine new categories. We have introduced non industry awards in line with the NSW Business Chamber award categories,” he said. “This means that the winners at a local chamber level are then eligible to enter state awards.”

Some of the new categories  include business leader, employer of choice, excellence in business ethics, export, innovation, small business and sustainability.

There will also be sections for new and emerging business, young business executive and young entrepreneur.

“Last year’s awards, with more than 100 submissions and winners, were announced in front of 550 guests at a formal dinner,” Mr Monaghan said.

“We felt the time has come to instigate some changes to keep the momentum going.”

Mr Monaghan said the awards were still awaiting confirmation of a major sponsor, with CGU the frontrunner after leading the way for the past 23 years. Nominations for all business excellence award categories and people’s choice awards open tomorrow and will close on Friday, April 12.

Nominations forms are available from the Central Western Daily, as well as the Orange Business Chamber.