TODAY is the closing date for the Lancashire Telegraph Business Awards 2006. But local firms still have time to send in entry forms as long as they register their intention to enter by 5pm.

We look at what it will take to scoop the Outstanding IT/Digital Media Achievement.

AS technology becomes cheaper, more businesses are finding they can increase revenue and move ahead of the competition through a small investment.

This year's Lancashire Telegraph Business Awards have introduced the award for Outstanding IT/Digital Media Achievement to mark this change.

Judges will be looking for a company that has used digital media in an outstanding way to promote its brand and/or drive its business forward.

This can be anything from an effective business-enhancing website to the setting up of IT systems that have aided business.

Roger Edworthy is lead envoy for East Lancashire for the Lancashire Digital Development Agency, a group which promotes IT, in particular broadband.

According to Mr Edworthy, broadband is one of the most important changes for firms.

He said: "More businesses are recognising the benefits that broadband and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) adoption can bring in terms of increasing revenue and moving ahead of the competition.

"The awareness of the business benefits of broadband has grown rapidly, playing an important role in the competitiveness of the region's industry."

And Kevin Morley, Northwest Regional Development Agency head of ICT Policy, said: "Reliable and affordable broadband-enabled technologies are central to business development and growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

"Understanding best practice in these areas can cut costs, increase efficiency and allow businesses to offer a broader range of services.

"For the region's businesses to remain competitive, it is vital we encourage them to experience the benefits of high-speed broadband connections, as well as provide them with relevant support to access this technology.

"With more businesses experiencing cost savings, increased efficiency and the skills to enter new markets, we can ensure that the North West maintains high levels of ICT adoption and development."

Even in 2004, statistics showed that almost 100 per cent of corporate businesses had broadband access, and nationally one third of UK small to medium enterprises had access.

Craig Morgan, chairman of the Federation of Small Business East Lancashire branch, said most firms already use the internet for day to day work.

He said: "East Lancashire has a tradition of advancing technology.

"It's important we continue building on success as new technologies emerge."