WHERE are Bury's enterprising businesses?

That's the question being posed by the Queen's Award for Enterprise office which is anxious to receive more local entries for this coveted competition.

So far, only three companies from Bury and Whitefield and one from Ramsbottom have applied. Apply now with the chance of receiving Royal recognition is the message from the organisers.

The 2004 Queen's Award for Enterprise recognise exceptional achievements in international trade, innovation and sustainable development.

Commenting on the level of entries from local companies, Stephen Brice, acting secretary at the Queen's Awards Office, said: "The number from the Bury area is a little disappointing and we would like to see more applying for this most prestigious of business accolades.

The scheme originated in 1965 as The Queen's Award to Industry. Following a major review in 1999 it was relaunched as The Queen's Awards for Enterprise and now attracts entries from a wide range of businesses.

Would-be Queen's Awards winners should phone 0870 513 4486 or visit www.queensawards.org.uk for an entry pack. The deadline for this year's awards is October 31.