The Buckinghamshire Ambassadors scheme, which was launched just over 12 months ago to help further raise the county's profile at home and abroad, has announced a major, prestigious business award taking place early next year. As you would expect, it's to be known as the Buckinghamshire Ambassadors Business Award 2006 and winners and runners up will receive their accolades at a special presentation dinner on 27 April in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Marlow.

Nancy Pound, one of the steering group representatives, says: "This is the first county award of its type and we are looking forward to receiving many entries. It's open to all businesses and organisations, large and small, as long as their roots are in Buckinghamshire. Special Award packs will be available in the New Year but in the meantime we are asking people to resister their interest at www.buckinghamshire-ambassadors.org.uk/?PageID=49."

There are ten carefully, assembled categories providing an opportunity for everyone to be considered for an award. They include:

• Company of the Year
• Most Impact by a New Company
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Innovation
• Quality & Skills & Development
• Bucks Abroad (International Trade)
• Entrepreneur of the Year
• Environmental Achievement
• Social Enterprise
• Five Star Award

Co-ordinated by the county council, The Buckinghamshire Ambassadors scheme was launched in October 2004 bringing together key people from all avenues of business and commerce with a common purpose to promote economic growth in the county. And you, too, could become an ambassador!

As an ambassador there are no time consuming duties or fees to pay. In fact the organisation's only request is that you bring the county into your day-to-day activities by giving it a frequent "plug". You can also make a vital contribution by disseminating information about Buckinghamshire, using local suppliers whenever possible and by supporting your local community.

Also it provides you with the unique opportunity to raise the profile of your business or organisation, attend events where you can network with other Ambassadors and share best practice. In addition, through regular news and information, it is keeps you abreast of local issues.

You can see the list of well-known names that are already Buckinghamshire Ambassadors and read more about the 2006 Award scheme at www.buckinghamshire-ambassadors.org.uk.