THE ECHO salutes the region's brightest entrepreneurs today with the launch of the fifth annual ECHO Enterprise Champions Awards. Six categories give the perfect platform for young and aspiring businesses to shout their achievements from the roof tops at an impressive awards evening in the city's trendy Pan American Club on June 28.
 Elaine Clarke (pictured), boss of the city's unique Baa Bar business, was acclaimed as last year's overall ECHO Enterprise Champion and she said today: "What was good about winning was that it was nice to be recognised and the prestigious coverage in the ECHO was very positive for the business. "A lot of people read the ECHO so everyone knew about our success." ECHO editor Alastair Machray feels the awards mirror the area's massive feelgood factor: "Our region is on the threshold of huge success. We have battled back superbly from the decline of traditional industries and can compete economically once again. "And, as 2008 approaches, we need to move to the next level. Entrepreneurs . . . over to you," he added. Competition categories include Best Small Business; Best New Business; Best Micro Business; Social Enterprise of the Year; Young Business Person of the Year; and Enterprise Champion. The small business award is sponsored by BusinessLiverpool who said today: "As the gateway for free business support and investment in Liverpool we are proud to be associated with the Enterprise Champions Awards 2006.
 "Our primary objective is to create a focused and effective support mechanism which meets the needs of our clients. The core activity of BusinessLiverpool is the provision of support in the areas of property, finance and workforce development - and by working in partnership with other key public and private sector organisations to deliver a comprehensive business support package. "It is our job to ensure you get the very best from the extensive range of business support available in Liverpool. All you have to do is contact BusinessLiverpool and we will deal with your enquiry quickly and efficiently, to get the right support for your business." To find out more about BusinessLiverpool and what help is available, visit www.businessliverpool.co.uk or phone 0151-288 6677. For details about each Enterprise Champions Awards category and how to enter you can call the special hotline on 0151-472 2805, or apply online here The closing date for applications is May 17. | 
