The Best of Business Awards 2002 will honour the pick of the regions business achievers at a glittering awards ceremony in March, and there is still time to submit an entry.

The closing date for entries is Thursday, January 31, and all entrants will be invited to the awards ceremony, hosted by broadcaster Phil Gayle on March 21.

Designed to be a showcase for the diverse, entrepreneurial talent in Croydon South London and the South East region, the scheme (known as the BoBs) was created in 2000 and has grown steadily year on year. Any business operating within the region, whatever its size, can enter the BoBs.

Entry is by completing a simple questionnaire that can be obtained from Croydon Marketing & Development, the organisers of the scheme. Finalists are interviewed by a panel of judges during February. Winners from previous years have been delighted with the publicity they have received from their win. All the winners agree that the boost to morale was great for managers and staff but there is a bottom line return to the business as well. OneclickHR of Beckenham believes that winning the prestigious Best Use of E Business award in 2001 helps it to retain customers and attract new clients.

The overall winner in 2001, decided by all eight judging panels, was an unknown company from Redhill awarded Best Exporting Business by HSBC Aircom International.

They went on to receive two Queens Awards for Industry in 2001, justifying the judges confidence in them.

Denise Ray of Croydon Marketing & Development said: The range of businesses that enter is amazing. From multi nationals to one man working from his garage, the entries come from businesses of all sizes and from all types.

Call CMD on 020 8686 2233 for further information.