Time to enter the county showdown

(The Gazette (Blackpool) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) The hunt is on to find the cream of Lancashire's businesses.

The BIBAs - Be Inspired Business Awards - 2007, are launched.

The competition is organised by Business Link Lancashire and the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

Now in their ninth year, the BIBAs put companies in the spotlight for their achievements.

Clive Memmott, chief executive of Business Link Lancashire, said: "The competition has gone from strength to strength, recognising and celebrating the success of the business community in Lancashire.

"It is now firmly fixed as a key date on Lancashire's business calendar and competition to win one of the 13 fabulous BIBAs is sure to be stiff." Once again, the BIBAs will be held at the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool on March 16. More than 500 entries were received last year. This year's categories are: * The Northwest Regional Development Agency New Business of the Year Award.

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* The UK Trade & Investment International Trade Award.

* The Lancaster University Management School Leadership Team of the Year Award..

* The Orbit Internet Award for Best Use of E-business.

* The University of Central Lancashire Award for Business Innovation.

* The Westinghouse Springfields Award for Performance through People.

* The SELNET Social Enterprise of the Year Award.

* The Harris Walker Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

* The Write Angle and Design Force Marketing with Impact Award.

* The Royal Bank of Scotland Lancashire Business of the Year Award.

Three categories introduced this year will celebrate achievements of individuals in business: * The Napthens Business Person of the Year Award.

* The HSBC Business Woman of the Year.

* The Park Hall Hotel Employee of the Year.

Babs Murphy, chief executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, added: "The success of local businesses is vital to Lancashire's economy and the business awards play an important part in rewarding those companies that strive for excellence.

"We are eager to celebrate not only achievements but business values, vision, strength, and a will to build lasting success." The closing date for the competition is November 17.

Copyright 2006 Johnston Press Plc.. Source: Financial Times Information Limited