LEAN and dynamic enterprises are emerging in the area thanks to a hot new initiative.

Mustard.uk.com is a business support initiative designed to help new, young and high-growth companies reach their potential.

It is a private and public sector partnership, managed locally by Business Link, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, incorporating high-quality, private sector consultancy.

Now, the achievements of high-flying entrepreneurs in Worcestershire and Herefordshire are being put under the spotlight, with the launch of the second annual Mustard.uk.com awards.

Although the shortlist of hopefuls is yet to be released - on Thursday, September 4 - a number of companies from the two counties have been put forward by Business Link for an award.

Last year, Worcester-based medical recruitment consultancy, Cape Medical, in Sansome Walk, collected an accolade for Outstanding Achievement in the awards.

"Mustard is a great opportunity for dynamic new and young businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire," said Helun Sandifort, the Business Link co-ordinator for the scheme in the two counties.

"Companies demonstrating high-growth potential can access thousands of pounds worth of support and advice to help them grow and succeed.

"Mustard.uk.com has now helped over 1,000 companies in the West Midlands and we are witnessing a whole host of lean and dynamic enterprises emerging, enterprises that are now boasting multi-million pound turnovers and creating scores of local jobs."