The honours, organised by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), are open to firms which employ no more than 50 staff and have been trading for at least five years.

Six area champions are chosen to go forward to the national final, with the overall National Champion winning £10,000.

This year's awards have added two new categories - Young Entrepreneur and Most Promising New Business. The FSB said it had introduced the new awards to show its support for up and coming businesses.

Firms interested in entering should contact Judith Francis on (020) 7592 8120 or by e-mail at: judith.francis@fsb.org.uk.