A competition that rewards businesses for coming up with innovative ideas that tackle climate change has reopened to entries.

The Shell Springboard Awards offer cash prizes of between £20,000 and £40,000 for UK-based small companies to come up with commercially viable products, services or ideas that will lead to a reduction in greenhouse gases.

The competition is open to businesses that:

The competition is open to businesses that:
• Operate within the UK.
• Have been established for a minimum of three months.
• Employ fewer than 250 people.
• Have SME (small to medium enterprise) status.
• Are a sole trader, partnership, limited company or community interest company.

Applicants under the age of 18, public sector institutions, voluntary and community groups, and local authorities are not eligible to enter.

Applications will be grouped into three regions: Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England; Central England and Wales; and Southern England.

Shortlisted entrants from these regions will then be interviewed by a judging panel to decide on a maximum of six winners from each area, who will each get a cash prize. Two finalists from each region will also progress to a national judging round, where one lucky winner will be named as the overall champion for 2009.

Previous winners at the awards include a lightweight plastic used in car manufacturing, an ultra-efficient heating pump, and a unique air turbine suitable for use in low-head hydropower sites.

Applications should be made online before the 7 November deadline.

For more details visit the Shell Springboard Awards website (opens a new window)

Source: Business Support Wales, 18/08/2008