THE BOROUGH S businesses have a chance to shine as this year s prestigious industry awards are launched. The Barking and Dagenham Business Awards, which have gained an impressive reputation in the business world, are accepting entries for the 2009 contest

THE BOROUGH'S businesses have a chance to shine as this year's prestigious industry awards are launched.

The Barking and Dagenham Business Awards, which have gained an impressive reputation in the business world, are accepting entries for the 2009 contest.

The categories are; Business of the Year; Innovation; Community Involvement; Marketing Excellence; Retailer of the Year; Training and Development; Best New Business; Growth Business of the Year; and Sole Trader/Micro-business including E-Business.

One man hoping to impress this year's judges is Sandip Chakravarty, owner of Indian musical instrument shop Guru Soundz, in Fanshawe Avenue, Barking.

Sandip is no stranger to success. The 31-year-old is a well known musician within the Asian community, and has impressed audiences around the world, including Sir Paul McCartney, with his tabla (Indian drums) playing.

He opened Guru Soundz five years ago after noticing a gap in the market.

"I had spoken to a lot of musicians who were frustrated because there were very few shops selling good Indian musical instruments.

In the end I decided that with my knowledge of these instruments, plus my contacts within the industry, I could run a business myself."

His instruments, which are carefully designed and built by craftsmen at his factory in India, are now in demand all over the world.

But Sandip, who still performs professionally, doesn't just sell his products. In his shop he has a small area for his tabla workshops, where other budding musicians can try out the instrument.

Speaking about the upcoming awards Sandip said: "Winning an award would be great because it would hopefully inspire other people to open their own business. If I can do it, so can they."

Entries will also be eligible to enter the London-wide Thames Gateway Business Awards sponsored by Archant London, publishers of the POST.

The closing date is May 1. Application forms are available by calling (020) 227 3319 or on-line via the link on the our website www.bdpost.co.uk.