Dozens of companies, including automotive retailer groups and garage equipment suppliers, have already requested AM Awards 2003 entry forms which will be available later this month. The firms will contest 15 categories in the new-look awards that have been expanded following the April relaunch of the fortnightly motor industry news and analysis title Automotive Management and its monthly sister magazine AutoTrade as AM.

Awards night will be on February 27 at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham, for which table bookings are being taken now.

For the first time there is an award for an industry personality who has made his or her mark in any automotive sector. The personality will be chosen by AM's editor - all the other winners will be selected by a panel of judges.

The achievement of reaching the shortlist will be spotlighted at the black-tie awards dinner, both on the big screen during the ceremony and in the event's official programme.

In each category, an outright winner will be announced on the night (a departure from the gold, silver and bronze awards in previous years of Automotive Management awards).

Independent quality assessors will visit the shortlisted companies and prepare reports for the judges.

To receive an entry form (with detailed category criteria), or to reserve a table at the February 27 dinner, contact Sue White by phone (01733 468 272) or email (sue.white@emap.com).