Top businesses can take the first steps on the road to glory next week.

The 2012 Merton Business Awards – which honour great companies of every size, as well as those that offer first-rate customer service and commitment to the community – will be formally launched on Wednesday, March 14.

The awards will be launched at South Thames College.

The deadline for entries is June 15, and the ceremony itself will take place at the All England Club – home of the famous Wimbledon tennis championships – on September 26.

Last year Diana Sterck, chief executive of the Merton Chamber of Commerce, said the annual event was about “celebrating and showcasing the talent” in the borough’s businesses.

She said: “Merton is quite often the forgotten borough in south London.

"There is a tremendous amount of great business but it doesn’t often get a great profile, but that is what these awards are all about.”

The top prize – business of the year – was scooped by structural and civil engineers Elliott Wood Partnership LLP.

Other winners included Italian restaurant Piccolino’s in Wimbledon Village, and IT company Techquarters and the Chartered Institute of Personal Development.

The commitment to the community award – sponsored by the Wimbledon Guardian – was won by social enterprise the Vine Project.

This year the Wimbledon Guardian is media sponsor for the awards.

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