A COMPETITION to find the most innovative and exciting small and medium-sized businesses in the South West has been launched.

Salisbury firms are being encouraged to enter after the contest was launched by the Business is Great campaign and BT Business.

Entrants could be crowned regional champion, with winners shortlisted for the national competition.

The grand prix winner will win a prize package worth more than £30,000, which will include a bespoke creative advertising campaign and features in national and local media, along with an iPad Air and unlimited BT wi-fi for 12 months.

The winner will also receive a package of Government export support.

All businesses must be from the South West and employ between 1 and 250 people.

To enter, firms must state why they deserve to be named as the greatest small business in their community.

Business Minister Matthew Hancock said: “Small businesses have been the driving force of our economic recovery.

“This is a top opportunity to celebrate the enormous contribution they make to villages, towns and cities across Great Britain.

“I am committed to fostering this entrepreneurial spirit and making sure that Britain is the best place in the world to start and grow a business.”