BUSINESSES looking to grow have been given an extra opportunity to get their hands on £10,000-worth of advertising through our Business Boost competition .

The deadline for entries for this prize has been extended by seven days to Friday, March 31.

We have joined forces with the chartered accountant Lamont Pridmore to offer free advertising, mentoring and support to enterprises that show growth potential.

Applications are invited in two categories. One for new businesses – up to five years old – and one for established businesses of any age with fewer than 250 employees.

This is the fourth year that CN Group, in-Cumbria's parent company, has run the scheme. Our sister newspapers across Cumbria are also taking part.

Graham Lamont, the chief executive of Lamont Pridmore, encouraged as many people as possible to take advantage of the deadline extension.

He said: "What I have found when it comes to competitions is that you want to get around to entering but then you have the demands of the business. We are giving the successful businesses that want to take part extra time to get their applications in."

Bendles Solicitors of Carlisle is co-sponsoring the competition in the north of the county.

Stuart Irving, a partner at the firm, said: "It is not just professional services you win access to it is media services, it is really worthwhile. If you really want to push on with your business it is an excellent opportunity."

He added: "No business is too small, we have seen a wide range over the last year and I would encourage anyone to come forward if they want to progress."

Last year’s winners in north Cumbria were Cumbrian Stone in Penrith, and Bruce and Luke's Coffee in Carlisle, while Hills Books of Workington and Cockermouth beauty salon Pure Touch took the west Cumbrian prizes. Swim the Lakes, Cumbrian Cow and Chocolate Cottage shared the south Cumbrian prizes.

Entrants should outline how their businesses will grow and how they might use a £10,000 advertising campaign.

For full details visit www.newsandstar.co.uk/businessboost.