LOCAL companies can emulate the success of two Bury firms by seeking the Royal seal of approval for their drive and innovation.

They can enter the Queen's Awards for Enterprise 2001 only if they apply before the October 31 deadline.

Businesses in Bury and elsewhere in Greater Manchester have already applied for details of the Awards which reward outstanding achievements in innovation, international trade and sustainable developments.

In the 1990s, Bury-based companies Chadwick's of Bury and W.H. Tracey won the Queen's Award for Export Achievement.

This time around, many firms have shown an interest in the new category of sustainable development, a key recommendation of last year's Queens Awards review chaired by the Prince of Wales.

Awards secretary David Moore said: "This is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the future.

"So, winning an award for sustainable development is good news both for some of today's most forward looking companies and for the well-being of future generations."

The Awards are open to all businesses large and small that can demonstrate significant growth in any of the three categories.

And they are not just for Greater Manchester's business giants. Last year, almost half of the awards went to companies with fewer than 50 employees.

For an entry pack, contact 0990 13 44 86.