BARNOLDSWICK-BASED company, which supplies garment labels, tickets and packaging to the clothing industry, is vying for a top national business prize.

Sue Rushton and Clare Heppenstall, from Labelistic Ltd, join a host of firms less than two years old hoping to scoop the first prize of £20,000 in Start-Up Stars 2003.

The competition, backed by HSBC Bank, is a national search to find and highlight the UK's top new entrepreneurs who can demonstrate they have the inspiration, determination and discipline to succeed.

Joint partners Sue and Clare decided to set up their own business when they were both made redundant from Kalpak in Skipton.

Although neither had run a company before, their knowledge of the industry was extensive and they had good relationships with both suppliers and potential clients that formed an excellent basis for the new venture, which commenced trading in April 2001.

"It came as a big shock at the time, but it gave us the shove we needed to set up our own business," said Sue.

"We have absolutely no regrets - business is doing very well and we have exciting plans for the future."

Determined not to go into debt, the partners worked initially from Sue's home and took no wages for the first six months.

Now, they have bought and renovated an old cottage in Church Street to use as their office and turnover for their first trading year reached nearly £150,000.

Clients include Viyella, Windsmoor, Brook Taverner and many more; they have a successful website and are planning to introduce a company pension scheme.

Sue and Clare divide their time between Barnoldswick and London, where many of their fashion industry clients are based.

All manufacturing is done in Hong Kong and the entrepreneurial duo are planning a visit to suppliers.

Looking further ahead, Sue and Clare plan to continue offering a high level of personal service to clients, ensuring the name of Labelistic is closely linked to their own standards of quality and attention to detail.

The business is currently growing primarily through word-of-mouth publicity and referrals but advertising in trade magazines and possibly on the internet is amongst their plans for expansion.

Another East Lancashire company in line for an award is Tyme to Live, a Colne-based business, which offers a unique children's adventure play centre in a converted church.

The company is the brainchild of 30-year-old single mum, Lorna Farenden. With four children aged ten and under, Lorna was well aware of the anxieties parents face when their children are outside playing without adult supervision.

Recognising a gap in the market, Lorna began formulating an idea for a unique drop-in centre that would give local children the freedom to play and be creative in a safe, fun environment.

With no previous business history or financial security, Lorna was unable to secure funding. However, she managed to find financial backing with the overwhelming support of friends. It wasn't long before Lorna found her ideal premises - a church for let near the main road and situated close to residential estates.

Restoring the property was only half the battle, with permission required from the local council to convert the church into a play centre.

Lorna spent weeks canvassing residents for their support and in December 2002, permission was granted.

'Kidzone' was opened for business on 25th January 2003. The centre has been a huge success, with admissions exceeding initial forecasts. The centre now offers private tuition, a learning zone, a club house for eight to 12-year-olds, toddler and parent activity sessions and plenty of new equipment.