BRITAIN'S top new businesses and the entrepreneurs who run them are urged to put themselves forward for the HSBC Start-Up Awards, 2004.

The awards, now in their fourth year, are open to all businesses which are less than two years old and whose owners can demonstrate they have the skills, inspiration and tenacity to succeed.

Ten finalists will share prizes worth £65,000, including £20,000 for the winner and £5,000 for the runner-up.

Each finalist will also win consultancy services and software worth £4,000.

Launching this year's awards, Nigel Griffiths, minister for small business, said: "Entrepreneurs are the heroes and heroines of our economy.

"As the world becomes more competitive and technology changes even faster, new businesses matter more to our economy than ever before," he said.

John Rendall, head of business banking at HSBC, said: "HSBC is committed to encouraging and supporting entrepreneurship throughout the UK.

"By highlighting the achievements of some of the UK's leading start-up businesses, we aim to provide powerful role models for others who have just started, or may be considering it."

The closing date for entries is April 30 and judging will take place in September.

The winner and runner-up will be announced before an audience of 300 business people, on October 7, at London's Savoy Hotel.

Entry forms are available from HSBC branches and online at www.ukbusiness.hsbc.com.