Is your business top of the league?

Organisers of this year's MBNA North West Football Awards are calling for the region's businesses to put themselves forward for its prestigious prizes.

The awards will celebrate the commercial, marketing and professional services expertise that contributes to the success of the region's clubs, alongside achievements on the pitch.

The categories open to North West businesses are professional services to football and business services to football. A panel of expert judges, headed by PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor, will decide on the award recipients.

Previous winners include IT and software specialist JMC IT and law firm Brabners Chaffe Street. Full information about entry criteria can be found at www.nwfootballawards.co.uk and the closing date for entries is 7 July 2010.

Katherine Swift, organiser of the MBNA North West Football Awards, said: "The North West's businesses make a huge contribution to clubs throughout the leagues and we're already getting a great response from companies looking to enter the awards.

"We're inviting any business involved in football throughout the region, whether they be financial advisors, provide creative support or catering for example, to submit an application and receive recognition for their work and achievements."

More than 450 VIP guests from the football and business world are expected to attend the event, which was launched in 2007 and has become one of the highlights of the sporting season.

Chester-based MBNA, a subsidiary of the Bank of America, is the title sponsor of the event which takes place on 11 October 2010 at Lancashire County Cricket Club.

Footballers, from the Premier League to the Blue Square Conference, will compete for awards chosen by the general public and a special goal of the year award will be voted for by guests on the night.

More information about categories and tickets can be found at www.nwfootballawards.co.uk or by calling Katherine Swift on 07894 099 072.