Businesses in Swindon are being invited to step into the limelight as Parcelforce Worldwide launches its Small Business Awards this week, which it claims is the largest scheme of its kind in the UK.

Prizes totalling £110,000 are available: £6,000 for each regional winner and £30,000 for the overall national winner.

More than 650 South West-based companies took part last year, when Somerford Mini Specialists near Chip-penham won the regional award for the second year running.

The award scheme is endorsed by the Federation of Small Businesses.

To qualify for entry, a company must :

Be independently owned and UK based

Employ 30 people or less

Have a turnover of £55,000+ per year

Have been established for at least two years.

For further information, go online at www.parcelforce. com/ awards or call free on 0800 328 2298.