IT'S that time of the year when the search begins for the cream of small business in Medway, with prizes worth more than £3,000 on offer. There is also the chance to meet BBC news presenter Fiona Bruce who hopes to host the glittering presentation gala in October.

The contest is sponsored by Medway Today and the Kent Messenger, LloydsTSB bank, Medway Chamber of Commerce and Medway council. The University of Kent at Medway is also giving valuable support.

For 18 years, the contest has recognised the hard work, innovation and tenacity of Medway's 8,000 small enterprises. Between them, small business employs more than half the working population. Tiny firms also offer the best opportunity for growing new jobs, as larger concerns make their operations smaller.

Past winners have included some real success stories, with many going on to greater things. Finalists, whether or not they win a top prize or not, all enjoy a night out at the glittering presentation ceremony which this year will be held in October.

Never has there been a better time to invest in Medway. As the biggest conurbation in the south east outside London, it is poised to become a powerhouse over the next few years. With the coming of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, the Dockside Outlet Centre in Chatham Maritime, the Universities of Medway project, and a host of other activities, Medway is set to become a modern city with a proud past.

If you believe your business deserves recognition, all you have to do is fill in the form which appears weekly in Medway Today or can be obtained from Chatham refernce library or Medway Chamber of Commerce. Employees as well as bosses can nominate their business. Most entrants will be given a free profile in Medway Today, welcome exposure worth hundreds of pounds.

Finalists will be invited to a gala VIP event in October, a great night out for bosses and staff - and that's free too. Every finalist will be presented with a framed certificate. And for the winners - the top three companies plus others the judges believe are worthy of special awards - there will be handsome cash prizes together worth more than £3,000.