Nottingham is once more celebrating its vibrant and creative community as the Nottingham Creative Business Awards 2009 is launched.

Now in its third year, the awards will celebrate the city's creative sector which enhances Nottingham's profile as a creative city of national and international importance. They aim to recognise and celebrate the successes achieved by businesses and individuals working in the city's creative industries and raise Nottingham's profile as hotbed of globally influential talent.

The city is bursting at the seams with the most amazing musicians, photographers, graphic designers, writers, fashion designers, advertising agencies, interior designers, performers, dancers, artists and film makers.

The innovation of these businesses and the international recognition many of them have has helped put Nottingham on the creative map and begun to be recognised as a highly credible cultural capital.

Representatives from the creative sector, including past award winners, came together under the grand setting of Nottingham's Council House on Tuesday June 2^nd 2009 for the launch of this year's awards.

Nottingham Trent University's choir performed Abba hits and other surprising numbers at the start of the launch at 5pm during the arrival of guests.

Guests heard from Simeon Hartwig from Bantum Clothingand Susi Henson from Eternal Spirits (Internationally recognised corsetry specialists) about their experiences, the benefits of the creative business award and the positive impact it has on businesses.

Guests were also told about the application process and how to enter and how applicants are judged on their work.

Simon Green, The Director of Sustainable Development at Nottingham City Council, said: "We want to continue with the success of previous years by encouraging as many people as possible to enter for awards

"These awards are our opportunity to show the world how much excellent creative work is going on around the city and are a great tribute to all the established and emerging creative individuals and businesses our exciting city has.

"As a council we are committed to promote and develop the creative industries as a key sector of the city's economy and this is why we are a candidate city for the World Design Capital in 2012."

Ann Priest Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of College, Art and Design and Built Environment at Nottingham Trent University said: "Nottingham Trent University, College of Art Design and Built Environment is delighted once again to support the Nottingham Creative Business Awards. The College has been central to developing and sustaining the creative community and creative entrepreneurs of Nottingham for over 150 years. The considerable creative influence and business impact of their enterprises is demonstrated year on year through these Awards; and we are looking forward once again to showcasing and celebrating the best of Nottingham Creative Businesses'. 

The awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday 7^th October at The Council House.

Deadline for entrants is Friday 31st July 2009 at 5pm. PLEASE NOTE the deadline for the Writing and Publishing award, Film and TV award and Music and Performing Arts award is Wednesday 1st July 2009 at 5pm and may relate to work created or designed in the previous two years. Self-nomination or nominations by a third party are acceptable.

Confirmed sponsors for the awards are:

Architecture, Urban & Interior Design – Greater Nottingham Partnership

Music & Performing Arts – New College Nottingham

Product Design – Nottingham City Council

Writing & Publishing – The Arts Council

Graphics & Advertising – St Tropez

Fashion & Textiles – Nottingham Trent University

Digital Media – South Nottingham College

Visual Arts – One nottingham

For further information on the categories and application process then please visit Nottingham Creative Business Awards 2009