A SEARCH to find Britain's most inspirational men and women who have beaten the odds to succeed in business got underway last week. Enterprising individuals who have triumphed over personal adversity to turn their business dreams into a reality have until Friday, July 16 to tell the judges their story - and why they should win a share of the �50,000 prize package.

A SEARCH to find Britain's most inspirational men and women who have beaten the odds to succeed in business got underway last week.

Enterprising individuals who have triumphed over personal adversity to turn their business dreams into a reality have until Friday, July 16 to tell the judges their story - and why they should win a share of the �50,000 prize package.

This year's Barclays Trading Places Awards will also invite people to nominate someone they know who deserves national recognition and in spite of facing some of life's greatest challenges, are running their own business - for example, a member of their family or even their boss.

Barclays will present the overall winner with a cheque for �10,000, and the runner-up with �5,000 for their business, at a black-tie gala dinner at The Savoy in London on Tuesday, November 30.

Steve Cooper, chair of the judging panel and Managing Director, Barclays Business, said: “Trading Places is a celebration of men and women who, in spite of great personal challenges, have taken steps to establish a sustainable business and in doing so changed the direction of their lives for the better.”

Entry forms are available in Barclays branches, by calling the Awards Office on 020 8673 2020 or by visiting www.barclays.co.uk/tradingplaces.