THE top companies across the region once again have the opportunity showcase their excellence and win the coveted title of Manchester Evening News Business of the Year.

Today marks the launch of the 12th annual awards, established to recognise the achievements of business across the north west and reward excellence.

Much sought after speaker William Hague, one of the yougest-ever Tory leaders and a charismatic character in the 2001 General Election, will host the event.

Last year, the competition attracted record entries and this year, an additional category has been opened - turnover between '25m and '50m.

The category has been set up because of the huge number of entries that the 2004 awards attracted from north west companies with turnover above '20m.

Location

There are four other main categories: companies with turnover of more than '50m, turnover between '10m and '25m, turnover under '10m, and Young Business of the Year.

To enter, companies must have their principal location and management in the M.E.N. circulation area.

For most categories, companies should have a trading history of not less than three years. The exception is the Young Business award, which recognises fledgling talent and early promise in companies less than three years old.

HSBC, law firm Hammonds, accountants PricewaterhouseCoopers and Manchester Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the event.

Judges will be looking for companies that show enterprise, competitiveness, innovation, strong management and well-motivated employees.

In 2004, 3G mobile engineering and consultancy firm Infratec was named young business of the year, Rochdale-based web supplier Zen Internet took the price for turnover under '10m, and Spanish restaurant chain La Tasca was awarded the '10m-'50m turnover crown.

Recognition

Lancashire baker Inter Link Foods took the biggest prize for turnover over '50m. Chairman Alwin Thompson said: "To be named `Business of the Year' by the Manchester Evening News is just wonderful.

"Being recognised in this way is good for directors, employees and customers. The award is the centre piece in our board room."

This year's winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Midland Hotel in Manchester on November 3. All entries must be in by July 29, 2005.

To enter, click here. Or write or email lesley.breen@men-news.co.uk for an application form.

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