ENTRIES are being sought from Worcestershire for a unique awards scheme for small businesses that have triumphed against the odds.

The Barclays Trading Places Awards - now in their second year - aim to recognise men and women from all over the UK who have overcome barriers and battled against adversity to positively change their lives by setting up in business.

The awards - backed by the Government and supported by The Prince's Trust, Business Link and JobCentre Plus - champion sole traders and smaller businesses less than three years-old, who are still on the first rungs of the commercial ladder.

Entries will be judged on how enterprising individuals have overcome personal challenges and obstacles such as long-term unemployment, financial hurdles, physical disabilities, discrimination and personal tragedy to set up on their own.

Barclays Bank, which is spearheading the awards as part of its local business community programme, helps around 80,000 fledgling entrepreneurs get their feet off the ground every year - that's one every six minutes.

Launching the awards, Barclays' marketing director for local business, John Davis, said: "Trading Places is a celebration of unsung heroes who, in spite of great personal challenges, have taken steps to establish a sustainable business and in doing so changed the direction of their lives for the better. Barclays Trading Places celebrates the inspiring achievement of these individuals whilst highlighting an increasingly important sector of the business community - the sole traders and small business operations that underpin our economy."

Barclays Bank and the awards' partners are now inviting people to share their business start-up experiences - good and bad - as an inspiration to others. Individuals must have been trading for a minimum of three months and no more than three years, with an annual turnover of less than £1m.

Ten national finalists will be chosen from the entries to attend a gala awards dinner at London's Caf Royal on Wednesday, September 27, where the top business will be announced.

The first prize is £5,000 cash from Barclays Bank, £7,000 worth of directory advertising from Thomson Local Directories and £2,000 worth of consultancy from the marketing communications agency Fox Murphy.

The runner-up will also receive £3,000 cash from Barclays Bank, plus £3,000 worth of directory advertising from Thomson Local Directories and £1,000 free marketing consultancy from Fox Murphy.

Nomination forms are available by calling 020 8673 2020 or visiting www.barclays.co.

uk/tradingplaces.

The closing date for entries is Friday, May 26.