THIS year's Essex Countywide Business Awards will invite a new generation into the limelight.

The awards, covering businesses throughout Essex, include a new category being launched for the first time this year - the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

The prize, sponsored by South East Essex College, is aimed at younger business people aged 16 to 30.

Event organiser Marian O'Connor said: "There has been a huge increase in entrepreneurial activity by young people, perhaps because business activity is supported and encouraged so much in schools and colleges these days.

"Many under-30s have achieved remarkable feats in the business world, and we thought it was about time that we paid tribute to youthful creativity and vision."

As always, the 2006 awards are organised by the Echo and our sister paper the Colchester Gazette. The Learning and Skills Council Essex is the main sponsor, for the fifth year in succession.

Any Essex business can apply to be shortlisted for one or more of the award categories, as appropriate. There are nine company categories: New Business, Environmental Awareness, Business to Business, Growing Business, Staff Training and Development, Community, Customer Service, Smoke Free Workplaces, and Education and Lifelong Learning.

The Countywide Awards evening will also be the setting for the announcement of this year's Essex Business Man and Business Woman of the Year award, sponsored by the Training Team. The award panel will include 2005 winners Marie Partner, chief-executive of Colchester United FC, and Mike Burton, managing director of Albany Washroom Services.

The presentation will take place against a background that has now become established as a highlight of the year for the business community.

Winners will be announ-ced at the Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff, where the awards will be staged at a black-tie banquet on May 12.

The evening begins with a champagne reception, sponsored by Choice, the store chain that is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Full details of the awards are available on www.essexbusinessawards. co.uk The closing date for entries is March 10.

Published Tuesday, February 14, 2006