 THE search is on for a new business hero - someone who exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship coursing through the city right now. Great businesses are always driven by someone with vision and this year's ECHO Enterprise Champions Awards acknowledges the city's commercial talent pool with the Young Business Person of the Year, one of six categories. Recent winners include Tony Caldeira, who has built the Knowsley cushion making family firm into a global force with new factories opening in China. James Sheridan carried off the mantle last year for his impressive diversification blueprint at family-owned A Algeo, the Speke orthopaedic suppliers. Candidates for the Young Business Person accolade should be aged below 35 and employed by, or running, a business in the region. Judges are seeking the person who has done the most to enhance the reputation of their company or who has shown outstanding individual achievement. Candidates could also feature in the overall Enterprise Champion 2006 award. Once again Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the category sponsor. A spokesman said: "We are proud to be involved with the Enterprise Champions and the award of Young Business Person of the Year. "Liverpool Chamber is at the forefront of promoting entrepreneurship, leading on the successful Entrepreneurship Commission that recently reported on improving the business culture of the city. "The Chamber is also home to the New Entrepreneurship Scholarships, helping people living in disadvantaged areas to start in business by providing a comprehensive package of support, mentoring and funding in encouraging and supporting the start-up and growth of new businesses." The spokesman added: "Young business people are the lifeblood of the city's economy, providing innovative thinking and business ideas that will provide the next generation of successful business people who will create employment and prosperity for the city." There are six Enterprise Champions categories: Best Small Business; Best New Business; Best Micro Business; Social Enterprise of the Year; Young Business Person of the Year; and Enterprise Champion. The final will take place in the Pan American club, Albert Dock, on June 28. For details about each category and how to enter you can call the special hotline on 0151-472 2805, or apply online here The closing date is May 17. | 
