THE development agency Advantage West Midlands is appealing to businesses to consider running for a Lord Stafford award.

The scheme was created to help firms in the region - which includes Worcestershire and Herefordshire - to improve their performance by tapping into the knowledge and expertise on offer at universities and higher education centres.

Two awards are to be presented this year. The award for new collaborations will be made to businesses that best demonstrate the benefits of working for the first time with a university or college.

The award for innovation is for businesses that can show how they have worked on a pioneering project with staff in the higher education sector.

Advantage West Midlands has extended the closing date for entries. Originally scheduled for Saturday, June 30, the date has been put back to Saturday, July 7.

Anyone interested in finding out more should contact the agency by calling 0121 380 3562 or e-mail LSA@advantage wm.co.uk

The winners will receive £5,000 as well as a trophy.