TWO women who were made redundant from their long-term jobs are in line for a top business award, after setting up their own company in Barnoldswick.

Friends Sue Rushton, 51, and Clare Heppenstall, 24, were delighted to hear their business Labelistic Limited, which supplies garment labels, tickets and packaging to the clothing industry, had fought off stiff competition from hundreds of companies to reach the final 50 in a search to find the UK's best new entrepreneur.

Labelistic Limited, which started trading in April 2001, is now hoping to go on and scoop the title of HSBC Start-Up Star 2003, which has a top prize of £20,000.

Sue and Clare were made redundant from Skipton-based labellers Calpak in March 2001 and although neither of them had run a company before, their joint knowledge of the industry was extensive and they had formed good relationships with suppliers and potential clients.

They worked initially from Sue's home and drew no wages for the first six months so that they would not go into debt.

They then bought and renovated an old cottage in Church Street which they use as their office and the company's turnover for the first trading year reached nearly £150,000.

Clients include Viyella, Windsmoor and Brook Tavener.

Sue, who lives in York Fields, Barnoldswick, said: "Because we had been doing the job for many years, we decided to have a go setting up our own business rather than joining the dole queue.

"We are a bit more confident about the competition now that we've got through to the last 50 because we didn't think we would get so far. If we get through to the last 20 we will have to go to London, which will be exciting."

Ten finalists will share prizes worth £65,000, as well as £4,000-worth of consultancy services, courtesy of business specialists Croner Consulting and business software company Intuit.

Judging for the final places will take place in September and the award ceremony will be held at London's Savoy Hotel on Thursday, October 2.