CHANCELLOR of the Exchequer Gordon Brown will be the guest speaker at the 2004 Growing Business Awards gala dinner later this year.

Entries are now being sought for the ten categories in the awards, with the winners being announced at a gala dinner in London on December 2. Categories include Company of the Year, Young Company of the Year and International Initiative of the Year.

Digby Jones, CBI (Confederation of British Industry) director-general and chairman of the judging panel, said: "I encourage individuals and companies that are proud of their business achievements over recent years to enter the sixth Growing Business Awards and I look forward to celebrating with you in December."

Entry is free with a closing date of September 22. Entry forms and further details can be found at www.growingbusinessawards.co.

uk or by contacting Lucy Wright at Caspian Publishing on 020 7592 8916.

ENTERPRISE champions are being sought for a Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion to reward those who have encouraged or developed entrepreneurial skills and attitudes in others.

The award complements the Queen's Awards for Enterprise. Up to ten awards will be given annually for enterprise champions and a single Lifetime Achievement Award may go each year to an individual judged to have made a truly outstanding contribution to promoting an enterprise culture.

Sir Nigel Mobbs, Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, said: "This award is for those who inspire others the go-ahead people who champion initiatives such as innovative business start-ups, inspirational training scheme, and enterprising activities among young people or disadvantaged communities."

Call 0207 222 2277 for more.