SHINING examples of good business practice are being urged to step out from the shadows and take a bow.

Entries are being sought for the Platinum Awards for Business Excellence, organised by Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC).

Now in their sixth year, the awards recognise not only achievement by companies, but also aim to celebrate the diversity of businesses in the Malvern Hills district.

They are open to firms of all sizes. Last year's winners included businesses as diverse as an ironing service, a children's nursery and a funeral parlour.

Councillor Roger Sutton, spokesman for economic well-being at MHDC, said the awards were open to any size of firm.

"Achievements could have been made through innovative new products or diversification of a product range, new techniques, enhancements in service delivery, staff training or environmental improvements."

Coun Sutton said past winners had found the event to be "a great networking opportunity".

"Past winners and applicants have generated large orders and Press coverage locally and regionally as a result," he said.

"The benefits from entering can be highly rewarding and all it takes is a 500-word entry."

Di and David Harper, from Top Barn Farm and Business Centre, Holt Heath, near Worcester, which was the overall winner in last year's awards, said they had been "delighted" to win and they would advise other companies to enter.

"As other winners and those who were highly commended will testify, a 'well done' goes a long way," said Mr Harper.

"The subsequent publicity was very beneficial and I would recommend any business to enter the awards."

The overall winner will take home a cheque for £1,000 from MHDC and there are also cheques for £500 for the winners of the competition's seven categories. These are: production, retail, service, enterprise, innovation, arts and tourism.

The awards are this year being run in association with the Evening News' sister paper, the Malvern Gazette.

The Chamber of Commerce, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and University College Worcester are also sponsoring the awards.

All entries into the awards will be invited to the ceremony, due to take place on Tuesday, April 6.

The closing date for entries - which must come from businesses in the Malvern Hills district - is Monday, March 5.

For an entry form phone Adrian Field on 01684 862361 or e-mail: Adrian.Field@malvernhills.gov.uk or click on: www.malvernhills.gov.uk