There are a number of ways to get an entry form, and find out more about BSBC 2007. Interested businesses can go to www.fsb.org.uk/bsbc, where applications may be made on-line or the form downloaded, or they can telephone 07901 795 045, or e-mail bsbc@fsb.org.uk.

BSBC was launched in 2003 because the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) felt that although there were already dozens of business awards schemes, none focused solely on small businesses.

Every entry will be allocated to one of six geographical regions - Central, North, South, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - and each will have an awards dinner to which the regional finalists will be invited and where the overall regional Champion will be announced. These six will go forward for national judging. All finalists will be invited to the national awards celebration dinner in London where one will be announced as the British Small Business Champion 2007.

For the first time BSBC is offering additional award categories - manufacturing, retail, services, innovation, ethical business and young entrepreneur (the five year trading rule does not apply to young entrepreneur) and there will be a regional and a national finalist for each category.

The closing date for entries to BSBC 2007 is 31 January 2007. Regional judging will be in February with regional finals in March and April. The national category winners and overall BSBC Champion will be announced on 12 June.