THE deadline is fast approaching for the South London Business Awards 2008.

Businesses are being offered a chance to win some of the most prestigious awards in South London.

The South London Business Awards were launched in November and the deadline for entering - February 22 - is fast approaching.

Being shortlisted for a South London Business Award has many benefits.

It offers increased recognition of the organisation, invaluable press coverage and is a real reward for the efforts of a company's staff.

Nine trophies are up for grabs including Innovation in Business, Entrepreneur of the Year and the much coveted South London Company of the Year, sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland.

The Small Business Award is sponsored by the Your Local Guardian and News Shopper publications.

Entry to the South London Business Awards is free.

The quickest way to enter is online at southlondonbusinessawards.co.uk

Companies are asked to provide brief answers to the questions posed by judges and complete a short entry form giving details of the business.

For further information on the entry process, call the awards office on 0870 609 3048.