SOME of the winners of this year's M.E.N Business Of The Year Awards will receive a special prize - thanks to The Badger.

The successful companies in the Young Business Of The Year and turnover under £10m categories will receive two hours' consultancy from TV business guru Ruth Badger.

Ruth, who on the Sky show Badger Or Bust goes into under-performing companies and helps them boost their sales, will host the finals night at the Midland Hotel in Manchester on November 1. As well as being our host, Ruth, who rose to fame on BBC show The Apprentice, will join the judging panel when it meets in the autumn.

Although originally from the Midlands, Ruth has lived in Greater Manchester for the last four years, and has based her business consultancy at the Towers Business Park in Didsbury.

She said today: "I am delighted to be involved with the M.E.N. Business Of The Year awards. I thought it would be a nice idea to offer my time for the smaller firms who are successful. I am looking forward to seeing the entries come in and to being part of the judging panel."

The awards are sponsored by international business advisers PricewaterhouseCoopers, law firm Hammonds and banking giant Royal Bank of Scotland.

The winner of last year's Young Business Of The Year, online fashion label Gorgeous Couture is urging other companies, with a trading history of less than three years to enter.

Niki Proctor said: "From the initial entry process to the collection of the award we thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being associated with the M.E.N. Awards and have found everyone to be staunchly supportive and positive. I am thrilled to say we have made some great contacts as a result."

Since winning the award, Gorgeous has continued going for gold. In May, it was named `Best Commercial Website' in the north west Big Chip awards.

Last year's winner of the turnover up to £10m category, short notice hotel portal LateRooms.com, went on to be bought by travel giant First Choice for £120m.

To enter the awards, please contact Kate Fielder on 0161 211 2466 or email kate.fielder @men-news.co.uk. Alternatively, enter online at manchesterevening news.co.uk/boty