THE BIBA FOR Small Business of the Year

Businesses with a staff of 50 or under which have excelled in their field, punching above their weight and demonstrating passion, growth, and commitment. We expect this to be a popular category , with dozens of worthy entries vying for the shortlist.

The criteria upon which the nominees were judged include:

• Commercial success
• business development
• income growth
• innovation

Sponsor: Royal Mail

Royal Mail has daily contact with 88 per cent of the UK’s small and medium-sized businesses and offers a range of products to help them grow.

Our website - www.royalmail.com - provides small and medium-sized businesses with information and advice about all our products, including how to create mailshots, buy postage online, and a new overnight parts delivery service.

And as part of our ‘Partners for Growth’ campaign, businesses can obtain a free, individual growth pack which features advice and case studies about how we have helped other companies to thrive.

Advice and information is also available from our Business Customer Helpline on 08457 950950.

Post offices, too, offer a number of useful services to small businesses, including banking, secure cash collection and van insurance.

And since 7 October, carpenters and plumbers, dog beauticians and bagpipe manufacturers can all obtain insurance from The Post Office.

The launch of Post Office Business Insurance means that 95% of small and medium-sized firms can select cover to suit their individual requirements. Further details are available from www.postoffice.co.uk, 0800 138 8276, or from any branch.