Small firms from across the UK have been invited to enter this year’s Parcelforce Worldwide Small Business Awards and claim part of the £110,000 prize pot.

The awards, now in its 12th year, will honour ten regional winners, who will each pocket £6,000 and gain the chance to be named Small Business of the Year at a ceremony in London. The overall UK winner will receive a further £30,000.

Four further awards will also be up for grabs, with each successful business netting prizes worth £5,000. The specialist categories are:

The Parcelforce Worldwide Export Award

Vanessa Leeson, managing director of Parcelforce Worldwide, said that the awards were an excellent way to recognise and encourage businesses.

“As well as seeking out the small business which deserve to be recognised in each of the ten regions across the UK, we are also searching for the UK Small Business of the Year and four special award winners,” she said.

“Professor Ted Fuller, who is validating the competition, said that feedback has shown the awards are a valuable exercise.

“Setting aside time to think about your business is never time wasted. Use the entry form as a checklist to see how your business is performing – if you can answer all the questions, why not enter?” he said.

Applicants must employ less than 30 people and have a turnover of more than £58,000 a year. To enter, go to www.parcelforce.com/awards