BUSINESSES in Blackburn are being encouraged to follow in the footsteps of one which was recently presented with a prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise.

Promethean Ltd, based on the town's Whitebirk Industrial Estate, in Lower Philips Road, was one of 11 companies in the North West this year to win the accolade.

The organisers of the awards scheme are urging firms to sign up for a seminar to find out how joining the scheme could benefit their business.

"Previous winners have all seen their reputation enhanced both at home and overseas," said Stephen Brice, acting Queen's Awards secretary.

The seminar on the Queen's Awards for Enterprise is being held at the Village Hotel and Leisure Club, Centre Park, in Warrington, on Wednesday, July 23.

It will feature case studies by 2002 North West winners, ranging from a large international bank to a small engineering firm.

Staff from the Queen's Awards office will explain how companies can enter.