FIRMS have until the end of the month to enter the battle for Best UK Business at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers' Manufacturing Excellence Awards (MX) 2008.

Styled the Oscars of the business world, MX is free for any firm to enter and is the only scheme of its kind to offer an elite panel of industry experts giving up to £20,000 of free, impartial advice. The deadline for entries is Friday, February 29.

Worcester MP Mike Foster said: I would encourage any firms of any size to enter the MX Awards. Latest Government figures show small and medium enterprises (SMEs) make up 95 per cent of the UK's manufacturing industry and 99 per cent of businesses in the UK, and MX offers firms coaching and support from leading industry experts. I know we have some great local businesses, and we should be showcasing what Worcester offers a little more. Entering this competition allows our city to win more friends by showing the success of business in the area.

"There is also a top tips' programme to show firms how they can win one of 13 coveted MX trophies. MX is known as the international hallmark of best practice and we, as MPs, are right to be supporting manufacturing and these companies.'' Experts from Barclays, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, BP, Warwick Manufacturing Group, Arup, and the Government's Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) will be judging the MX Awards.

They will be touring the country working with entrants to compile a self assessment audit (SAA). In turn firms receive a free benchmark report worth up to £20,000, which will provide them with invaluable advice on how to improve their performance.

There are 13 Oscars' up for grabs in a broad range of categories.

Finalists for the awards will be invited to an awards ceremony on June 26 at the Dorchester in London where the winners will be unveiled.

Firms interested in entering should visit www.mxawards .org or e-mail h_morgan@ imeche.org. Media enquiries should be directed to the IMechE press office on 020 7304 6973 or e-mail media@imeche.org.