Kent firms are being urged to apply for an award which celebrates businesses which triumph over adversity.

The fifth annual Barclays Trading Places Awards get under way this week.

Firms have until Friday July 16 to impress the judges - and explain why they deserve a share of the £50,000 prize package.

This year's Barclays Trading Places Awards will also invite people to nominate someone they know who deserves national recognition and, in spite of facing some of life's greatest challenges, are running their own business.

Steve Cooper, chair of the judging panel and managing director, Barclays Business, said: "Trading Places is a celebration of men and women who, in spite of great personal challenges, have taken steps to establish a sustainable business and in doing so changed the direction of their lives for the better.

"We are delighted to have this opportunity to recognise their achievements - whilst highlighting an increasingly important sector of the business community whether they are sole traders or small businesses that together underpin our economy."

Everyone entering the awards will have access to a range of business support packages featuring specialist advice and expert mentoring.

Barclays will present the overall winner with a cheque for £10,000, and the runner-up with £5,000 for their business, at a prestigious black-tie gala dinner at The Savoy in London on Tuesday November 30.

Awards supporters Microsoft and Yell will also be offering tailor-made packages for the 10 national finalists, including the latest business software and special multi-media advertising packages.

Other awards partners include youth charity The Prince's Trust, Leonard Cheshire Disability, the NFEA, Crisis, PRIME and the cdfa.

Entry forms are available in Barclays branches, by calling the Awards Office on 020 8673 2020 or by visiting www.barclays.co.uk/tradingplaces.