ON your marks, get set, Go for Gold!

That’s the message to local firms with the launch the 24th annual Medway Business Awards.

For the past 23 years, this prestigious contest has recognised the best enterprises in the Towns, rewarding hundreds of firms with trophies, certificates and cash.

With just four years to the London Olympics 2012, this year’s contest has a sporting theme.

Millions of pounds of contracts will be on offer to Kent and Medway firms in the run-up to the Games.

Last year’s winner Puretone, a 31-year old specialist manufacturer of tiny hearing aids and audio equipment for entertainers such as Madonna, David Bowie and Julian Clary, savoured the moment as it was named Medway Business of the Year.

You could enjoy similar glory to Puretone, and the other 12 finalists. But you will have to first register your interest on the form published each week in the Medway Messenger or go to www.medwaybusinessawards.co.uk to register online.

All entrants will receive free publicity in the print edition of the Medway Messenger

This year's sponsors are: Enterprise Agency of North Kent, E.ON, Thames Gateway Chamber of Commerce, Lloyds TSB Commercial, Medway Council, Medway Enterprise Agency, Medway Enterprise Hub, Medway Messenger, Reeves & Neylan, University College for the Creative Arts, University of Kent, Furley Page.