The national Business Awards - call for entries

A National Business Award is the UK's most sought after business accolade. In a little over four years the programme has grown to include five regional events, a stand-alone event for Scotland and, new for 2007, a European programme too.

The awards has achieved coverage in over 500 publications, been featured on SkyTV, and referred to by the Chancellor of the Exchequer as the 'Business Oscars'.

Last year alone, entrants represented a staggering 31 per cent of UK GDP. These awards are equally important to companies the size of Tesco as they are to new online businesses such as moneysupermarket.com

Businesses seek to win these awards for a multitude of reasons, but there is nothing as gratifying as winning. Take the example of two-time winners Experian:

"The benefits of the award were many, from the pride among our employees to our enhanced reputation among our clients, suppliers, local community and other stakeholders," said Peter Brooker, public affairs director.

"We have had copies made of the trophies to put in our reception areas around the country and these are a daily reminder to our people of their achievement, as well as to the many visitors to our offices. A lot of work goes into preparing the submissions for the awards but I'd assure any organisation considering entering the National Business Awards that, if you win - even if you are only shortlisted - it's well worth the effort for the positive effect on staff morale, raised media profile - especially in your local and trade environments - and increased respect and credibility among your customers."

Why not give your business the opportunity to win a National Business Award?

Link to business award pages on Orange website - 'Everything you need to know to succeed in The National Business Awards, from Orange - awards sponsor.'

This year's deadline is 24th July.

Orange has sponsored The National Business Awards since they began in 2001. The awards recognise and reward success, business ethics and of course innovation, whether you're a sole trader or a FTSE 100 multinational.

The National Business Awards has a regional programme and is not restricted to industry sector. There are fourteen categories you can enter including Best Use of Technology, Business Innovation of the Year, City and Guilds Employer of the Year, the Orange Business Leader of the Year and the Corporate Social Responsibility Award.