SMALL businesses in the North-west are being given extra time to compete for a share of £70,000 in prize money from the Parcelforce Worldwide Small Business Awards.

A large number of entries from across the region have already been received, prompting the organisers to extend the closing date by a fortnight.

The final deadline for entries will now be June 17.

To qualify, a company must be independently owned and UK-based, employ 30 people or less, have an annual turnover of more than £60,000 and have been established for at least two years as of March 31 this year.

Firms can enter online at www.thesba.co.uk