THE deadline for the prestigious Hive business awards has been extended, it has been announced.

Firms can still enter the Blackburn and Darwen Business Awards before the end of play on Friday.

Ian Brown, chairman of the Hive Ambassadors Network, said: "Now is the last chance to showcase the success of your business and get involved with the Blackburn and Darwen Business Awards.

"We've had an excellent response so far and entries have flooded in. However, we've had a lot of interest in the last few days and with that in mind, we've decided to extend the deadline for just a bit longer, so companies have just a couple of days left to send in their entry.

"Businesses need to take advantage, as once the deadline passes, no more applications will be accepted.

"The awards are in their fifth year and are going from strength to strength. Past winners have spoken about the kudos an award brings and how it has opened doors to new business.”

Entries are welcomed from any organisation or individual who has benefitted from the HIVE (Blackburn with Darwen) region and you do not necessarily have to be a HIVE member or have a Blackburn with Darwen postcode.

Companies can take part by filling in an entry form at www.awards.business-hive.co.uk/entry-form.

Following submission there will be a shortlisting process, then a judging process carried out by an independent panel.

The final winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony held at the stunning Kind George’s Hall, on the 27th June.

There are 24 awards up for grabs including The Retail Business Award, The Family Business Award and The Manufacturing Excellence Award.