Chance to shine on the big stage and boost your company profile

COMPANIES are being invited to show that they can compete with the best as the National Business Awards open for entries.

A single UK-wide competition will be held this year, with a new series of business growth summits replacing the contests previously held in Scotland and the English regions. Scotland's business growth summit will take place in Edinburgh in mid-April.

The National Business Awards is also becoming a strategic partner for The Scotsman Conferences, the new events arm of Scotland's national newspaper, which held its first event yesterday in Edinburgh.

The next conference, in May, asks whether the green economy can deliver for Scotland, while June's event will examine the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the retail sector.

Scottish firms have always competed at the highest level in the contest and this year is expected to be no different.

Among the 16 award categories, prizes will be handed out for the entrepreneur of the year, small and large businesses of the year and the company demonstrating the best corporate social responsibility.

Martin Stiven, vice-president of business at Orange, the headline partner for the awards, said: "It has been a tough couple of years for business, but despite that we have seen real innovation enabling new ways of achieving success. Entering the National Business Awards is a great way to highlight that success, whilst ensuring customers and employees recognise the strength of the finalists and winning organisations."

One of the previous Scottish stars of the National Business Awards is Steve Leach, founder and executive chairman of the Edinburgh-based internet search marketing firm Bigmouthmedia.

After the company won the Scottish small business of the year award in 2006, Leach scooped the Scottish entrepreneur of the year prize in 2007. His success continued as he brought home the UK prize and then also went on to win the European title.

Leach told The Scotsman: "It's difficult to quantify the value of awards, but it's a chance for a celebration for the team, to reflect on all the hard work they've done. It's easy on a day-to-day basis for there to be drudgery, but an award is an opportunity to lift morale for a period of time afterwards.

"The more obvious benefit is the brand recognition – we noticed that with our brand after winning the first award. Staff also want to work for the best in breed and getting national recognition helped with our recruitment, which I didn't expect at first."

Leach founded Bigmouthmedia from a basement in Edinburgh in 1997. The company merged with Germany's Global Media in 2006 to create Europe's largest search marketing company, with revenues in excess of 70 million a year and more than 200 staff.

Having served as chief executive since the company's inception, Leach took a step back last year, having been named UK entrepreneur of the year in 2007 and adding the European title the following year.

• For further details, visit www. nationalbusinessawards.co.uk