A COMPANY that embraces technology and and uses it to its advantage could win £40,000 in a national awards scheme.

The fifth annual UK Online for Business E-Commerce Awards have been launched.

Sponsored regionally by development agency, Advantage West Midlands, they recognise and reward innovative use of the internet and computers by small and medium businesses.

Any company in Worcestershire and Herefordshire with less than 250 employees can enter.

There will be regional heats with four categories covering e-business start-ups, e-trading, e-business and voluntary and community.

Category winners will win £2,000 and go on to the national finals to compete with other category winners for an £8,000 prize.

The four category winners will then go head to head for the National E-Commerce Awards Champion 2003 title and a massive £30,000.

Mount Fuji International was the E-Business winner for the West Midlands last year.

Andrew Cooke, managing director said the prize money had been a "massive benefit".

"We re-invested it back into our ICT systems to really take our e-business strategy forward," he said.

"The publicity resulting from our E-Commerce Awards success was a real bonus, helping us to raise our profile amongst customers and suppliers, helping us to strengthen our position in the marketplace."

The final date for entries is Thursday, July 31.

Applications forms from www.ecommerce-awards.co.uk