The annual competition to find the cream of Birmingham's upcoming professionals will open for entries next month.

Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2016 will be the 16th event in what has now become a firm fixture in the city's annual business calendar.

A launch event will be held on January 21 at award sponsor Hotel la Tour, in Albert Street, after which candidates can be nominated, or nominate themselves, for entry into one of six categories.

They are: finance; HR, recruitment and training; property and construction; marketing and communications; legal and technology.

An overall Birmingham Young Professional of the Year will then be chosen from the six category winners - last year's champion was Katie Kershaw from Node Urban Design.

There will also be the aspiring leader award for someone aged 16 to 24 and in full-time education or training and the inspiring leader for an exemplary figure from the business community.

Next month's launch event will also help those thinking of entering learn more about what is expected of a BYPY nominee and winner and what benefits can be had by entering.

Past winners and the BYPY committee will also be on hand to answer any questions.

The event is free and open to both members and non-members of BYPY organiser Birmingham Future - tickets can be reserved here.