RECRUITMENT specialist Linda Taylor Associates is in the running for national recognition thanks to its family-friendly policies.

The consultancy, which has branches in Bolton and Swinton, has made it through to the regional finals of the Parcelforce Small Business Awards 2005.

Linda Taylor Associates has pioneered the Governments Age Positive Campaign, winning national awards twice in the last four years. More than half of trainees at the firm are aged 50 and over, and has a policy of flexible working hours and leave arrangements.

A spokesperson said: "The company's family friendly policies and caring approach to both recruitment and training has clearly caught the eye of the judges."

The Parcelforce Small Business Awards are recognised as the most prestigious awards of their kind in the UK and are actively supported by Government and leading business entrepreneurs.

The 2005 North-west judging takes place at the end of September.

Finalists will be invited to attend the national finals at Canary Wharf on November 30.