COMPANIES have just under three weeks left to enter the Lancashire Telegraph Business Awards 2007.

A number of companies have already returned their applications and now we are urging other firms to send in their entries to ensure they do not miss out.

The Lancashire Telegraph Business Awards is the biggest event in East Lancashire's industrial and commercial calendar.

The awards, to be held at Ewood Park on Friday November 16, cover every facet of business achievement and enterprise.

The 11 categories in this year's awards are designed to reflect East Lancashire's diverse business community which is the lifeblood of the area's economy.

Historically previous winners have gone on to enjoy a great year of prosperity after scooping one of the prizes.

In the last 12 months Altham-based Senator, the UK's largest manufacturer of office furniture, with a turnover of £76million, has opened a base in the USA and taken over a marketing company in Holland, since winning the 2006 business of the year award.

Rossendale-based developers Hurstwood Group saw its net value of assets rise from £40million to £84million since winning business of the year in 2005.

Burnley-based Radal Technology is on course to double sales to £1.5million after winning the innovation and design category last November.

When Neil and Tracy Burrows, took over the Whitehall Hotel, Darwen, in August 2003 the venue had just five weddings booked for the rest of the year into 2004.

The couple won the 2006 small business of the year after doubling turnover.

This year companies can enter as many categories as they wish but all entries must be returned by Friday, September 28.

Steven Broomhead (right), chief executive of the Northwest Development Agency, which is supporting the awards said: "It is vital we recognise and reward companies and indivi-duals that have demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence and inspire all our businesses to strive for continuous improvement.

"I would urge companies to send in their applications otherwise they could miss out on winning a prestigious award."