IT'S HERE again - and it's a golden opportunity to show the public what you've achieved in the hurly-burly world of business.

The current Wessex Business Woman of the Year is Selaine Messex, of Salisbury based LessBounce, who gives the award a ringing endorsement.

Her sports bra products allow women to take part in sport without enduring painful bouncing. Selaine, 33, said: "Winning gave LessBounce a credibility which, as a small company, we sometimes lacked.

"It also gave our customers something to believe in. So many small businesses go under, and the award gave our customers more confidence in us as a company.

"It also contributed to our continued growth, with sales up 80 per cent on last year. The WBWY Award certainly gave LessBounce the confidence to flourish."

The award is open to women across the Wessex region, including Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset, and the deadline for nominations is Friday, September 3.

Judging will take place on Thursday, September 23, followed by the dinner and award event at Beaulieu, in the heart of the New Forest, on Thursday, October 14.

The trophy on the night will be presented by Maria Marced, senior vice-president of Connected Media Solutions at electrical giant Philips.

She was a runner-up in the Wall Street Journal Europe Business Woman of the Year three years ago.

The idea behind Wessex Business Woman of the Year, which is supported by the Winged Fellowship Trust and backed by the Daily Echo, is to honour successful women in business and provide a role model to encourage other women to enter the often daunting business area.

Ivan Clarke, head of regional fundraising at the Winged Fellowship Trust, said: "Each year the award event raises much needed funds helping us provide breaks for disabled people at our Netley Waterside House centre on Southampton Water. These breaks are not only important for our guests but also help ease the considerable pressure faced by their families and carers.

"We are extremely grateful to the business community of Wessex and in particular those businesses which sponsor the event for their invaluable support."

Gold sponsors are Philips, bank HSBC, designer Remous and lawyers Warner Goodman & Streat.

Silver sponsors are Hampshire County Council, accountants Smith & Williamson and business support organisation Business Link.

Bronze sponsors are broadcast giant NTL, luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz, The Cloud Hotel at Brockenhurst, and property rentals Town and Country.

For a list of eligibility criteria, and to access a nomination form,

e-mail scox@wft.org.uk or write to Sophie Cox, Winged Fellowship Trust, 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF.