Top performing companies in Sussex are being urged to apply for the Queen's Awards for Enterprise 2005.

The awards scheme recognises and rewards exceptional achievements and advances in all areas of business.

Stephen Brice, acting Queen's Awards secretary, said: "Over the years Sussex has produced many worthy winners.

"But we know there are many more talented firms out there and we want them to come forward to receive the recognition they deserve."

Winning companies are entitled to display the Queen's Award emblem for five years. The Queen also invites three members of each winning company to a reception at Buckingham Palace.

Mr Brice said: "Even unsuccessful applicants benefit by receiving feedback detailing the strengths and weaknesses of their application to help them to become Queen's Awards winners of the future."

Call 0870 513 4486 or visit www.queensawards.org.uk/2005awards.htm for an application form.

The deadline for this year's awards is October 31.

Tuesday June 22, 2004