HIGH-FLYING Black Country companies are being encouraged to enter the most prestigious business awards in the country.

Entries for The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2013 are now being accepted and the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership is urging borough businesses to get involved.

The free annual awards are bestowed on the UK’s best businesses in recognition of their outstanding achievements.

Black Country businesses can enter any of three categories - innovation, international trade and sustainable development.

As well as the business award there is also the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion which recognises individuals who have gone the extra mile to help communities, young people or students to set up a business.

Ninder Johal, Black Country LEP lead on communications and perception, said: “We know there are plenty of Black Country companies who deserve credit for their fantastic work and the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise offers the perfect recognition.”

Councillor Mike Bird, Black Country LEP board member and leader of Walsall Council, added: “Winners not only receive worldwide recognition among their peers but they can also display the awards emblem for five years after receiving the accolade.”

The deadline for entries is September 28.

To find out more visit website www.queensawards.org.uk, call 020 7215 6880 or email info@queensawards.org.uk