The awards recognise enterprises across the East Midlands that have demonstrated the best use of information and communications technology (ICT).

ICT has been identified by the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) as key to its Regional Economic Strategy (RES).

Mike Carr, executive director of business services at EMDA, said:

"The RES states that over a third of SMEs in the East Midlands have not adopted any form of ICT in their business practices. This is something that we need to address if we're to make the East Midlands a flourishing region by 2020.

"ICT is crucial to economic success and the eBusiness Awards will be a great celebration of those SMEs who are helping to drive the region forward."

The deadline for entries to the awards is 19 January.