BASINGSTOKE prides itself on being a thriving commercial centre, with a diverse economic base, entrepreneurial business leaders and a skilled workforce.

And all of this is celebrated each year with the borough's Business Awards.

Now time is fast running out for organ-isations to enter the 2003 awards, as the deadline is November 24.

The original deadline of November 14 has been extended because of the recent difficulties with the postal service.

Awards organiser Anne Jackson said: "Applications can be handed in to Basingstoke council's reception desk if people are worried about the postal situation."

Now in their sixth year, the 2003 Basingstoke Business Awards are the biggest yet. Four of the six awards are new, with the Barclays Asset Finance Small Business of the Year Award and the Gazette Newspapers Business in the Community Award carrying over from previous years.

Regular sponsors of the awards, HSBC and Basingstoke council, have introduced two of the new honours. The council is sponsoring Business Excellence Through People and HSBC is sponsoring the Contribution to the Economy Award.

On board as new sponsors are Hampshire County Council, with a New Business of the Year Award, and The Carbon Trust with its Environmental Award.

The ARK Conference Centre in Basingstoke is offering a special prize, as is Tenon. The accountants and business advisers, who also sponsor The Gazette Business pages, have joined the sponsorship line-up for the first time and are offering a free business healthcheck to the winners of the Small Business of the Year, New Business of the Year and Business in the Community awards.

Kevin Lee, managing director of Tenon in Basingstoke, said: "We are very excited to be part of the awards this year and feel particularly proud to support the chosen three.

"Tenon has always been very keen to assist and encourage the entrepreneurial spirit that is so positive in Basingstoke as an enterprising business centre. Good luck to all those taking part - let the games begin!"

The ARK sponsorship consists of a one-day conference facility for 10 people for the winners of the Business Excellence Through People and Environmental awards.

Urging companies to enter the new Contribution to the Economy Award, Mike Loftus, of HSBC, said: "Basingstoke has an excellent reputation for supporting businesses of all shapes and sizes and this year our involvement is to recognise contribution to the local economy.

"Through our own involvement in the business community we are aware that a number of our own customers and local businesses - both large and small - significantly support the thriving local economy.

"We consider this extremely important as Basingstoke and Deane continues to grow and builds on its past and recent successes."

Finalists will be selected for each category and will be invited to a black tie gala dinner at Milestones, Hampshire's living history museum, on February 3, next year. MEPC, which owns Chineham Business Park, will sponsor a champagne reception.

Judging will take place during November and December and all finalists will be visited at their place of work.

Companies who wish to enter can contact Anne Jackson for more information on 07717 128682 or visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk

They can enter as many categories as they wish.