CAR companies in Worcestershire are being urged to shout their achievements from the rafters after it has emerged they are reluctant to boast their successes.

The Accelerate Supplier Awards 2004 have been launched in a bid to celebrate and encourage the development of excellence in the automotive industry.

David Malpass, spokesman for the awards, said: "Traditionally, the automotive industry in Worcestershire has always been pretty reserved when it comes to shouting about its achievements, preferring instead to focus on meeting the needs of an evolving sector.

"The aim of the awards is to highlight how leading automotive suppliers are facing the challenges of increased competition by introducing new ways of working and sustaining the culture of innovation, best practice and collaboration."

The annual awards event is set to be the biggest yet, with two categories, a high-profile judging panel and a £25,000 prize fund for winning entries.

Significant

Rachel Eade, programme manager for the awards, said: "Last year's winners received significant publicity and have used the accolades to attract new customers and boost workforce morale.

"With only two weeks to go until the deadline, it's now up to companies in Worcestershire to come forward and compete in one of the auto sector's biggest competitions."

Customers and suppliers should nominate companies that have demonstrated excellence in their field by Friday, April 2.

Nominated Businesses will then complete detailed entry forms, and will be visited by judges.

Accelerate, which is managed by the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, will hold the awards ceremony on Friday, October 24, at the ICC, in Birmingham.

Companies interested in the Accelerate Awards should contact Luese Spanou on 0121 6070123 or e-mail lspanou@accelerate.uk.net