Nominations for the RBS South London Business Awards 2009 are now open - and companies large and small have the chance to publicise their achievements, scoop a top award and get free expert feedback on their company.

The Brit Oval's roof terrace was chosen to host the award launch last Thursday and, declaring the awards open, South London Business (SLB) chief executive Peter Pledger said the competition provided an amazing - and free - business opportunity.

He said: "These awards are a chance to showcase your business to the whole of south London and beyond, and we want to point to the best and coax others to become the best.

"We want business to grow for the benefit of all of us."

Mr Pledger said the awards were just one way SLB was raising the profile of south London as an attractive business destination.

Urging companies to enter, he added the awards allowed firms to take advantage of SLB networking opportunities and expose their business to the "vast opportunities the south London area has to offer".

With a gross domestic product of £54.6bn, south London has an economy bigger than many capital cities - including Berlin, Lisbon, Stockholm and Delhi - and the entire country of Wales.

Mr Pledger said: "There are 112,000 businesses in the 11 boroughs south of the Thames with more than 1,000 employing 250 or more staff.

"There is a great resource there for everyone to use."

The awards grow in influence and stature every year, which is reflected by this year's awards attracting a title sponsor, RBS, for the first time.

The News Shopper and its sister titles in the South London Guardian series are supporting the awards for the third year as media partners, as well as sponsoring the customer service award.

Howard Scott, managing director of Newsquest South London, said: "Newsquest is delighted to be involved once again in sponsoring and supporting business awards in South London.

"The variety and strength of talent so evident across our region makes the awards stimulating and rewarding for everyone involved."

In total there are 11 categories to enter. There are three best business categories (small, medium and large) and awards for customer service, sustainability, innovation, training and development, international trade and marketing.

Best new business and the entrepreneur of the year complete the list.

Companies can enter as many categories as they like, the only constraint being that the firm must be based in south London.

The deadline for entries is February 29, after which a shortlist of finalists will be published.

A judging panel will then go to each business individually, sometimes undercover, before they choose the winners.

The winners will be announced at a black-tie event for 650 people, which will be held at Crystal Palace Football Club on May 20 next year.

For more information about the awards and how to enter go to slbawards.co.uk