BUSINESSES in Worcestershire are being urged to earn Royal recognition with a Queen's Award for Enterprise.

So far, only seven companies in Worcestershire have applied for details of the 2004 awards.

But officials at the Queen's Awards Office believe there are many more who can show they are among the best in the country.

Prestigious

"The number from Worcestershire is a little disappointing and we would like to see more applying for this most prestigious of business accolades," said Stephen Brice, acting secretary at The Queen's Awards Office.

''Previous winners have told us that the award has enhanced their reputation both at home and overseas and that staff morale has been boosted by as much as 80 per cent."

The deadline for entries is Friday, October 31.

Phone 0870 513 4486 or click on www.queensawards.org.uk for an entry pack.