A business chief has encouraged companies to sign up for the 2007 Lancashire Telegraph Business Awards - and reap the rewards that go along with it.

The prestigious awards ceremony is being held at Ewood Park on November 16 and chairman of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Mike Damms, believes it is a positive event for any company to become involved in.

Mr Damms said that the Lancashire Telegraph plays a pivotal role in highlighting the good work that is being done in businesses throughout East Lancashire.

He said: "I'm a supporter of the awards because quite clearly the local press has an enormous ability in reaching a wider audience and we need them involved to talk about companies.

"Awards like this also promote a pride in the area when other people can see a business doing well.

"As long as there is the oxygen of publicity these awards are worthwhile. They also sharpen up the attitude of those companies who are involved."

Mr Damms also believes that by promoting and rewarding the efforts of businesses in East Lancashire the traditional image of the region as a former textile stronghold is shifted and the up and coming business people are showcased.

He added: "We have a strong engineering tradition in this area for whom its been in the doing rather than talking about what they're good at.

"We want more success stories and these awards are a way of encouraging others to raise their game."

Previous winners of the awards have gone on to enjoy massive success.

* Click on the link below for the entry form.

The deadline for all applications is Friday, September 28.

If you have any questions contact Andrew Hewitt on 01254 298267 or 01254 298381.