ENTRIES are continuing to pour in for the prestigious Vale Royal Business Awards organised by Guardian Series Newspapers together with partners Vale Royal Borough Council and Business Link Cheshire and Warrington.

The closing date for entries is Friday, April 29.

Pure Signs, of Gravestones Farm in Northwich, are hoping for success in the Start up Business of the Year category.

Partners in the firm Jean Lishman and Natalie Steinke had worked within the sign and corporate identity industry for more than 10 years and held managerial positions.

They set up the new firm because they wanted to expand their skills and experience.

Jean said: "We were working within companies which dealt with particular fields of the industry and wanted to combine our skills in order to offer a 'total marketing' experience for our customers.

"This was coupled with our sheer determination to offer a friendly and efficient service, which was second to none and the use of quality material/product manufacture at a competitive price.

"We have used this as our 'unique selling point' in both our marketing literature and any initial project meetings with customers."

Jean said customer recommendations and continued marketing had allowed their client base to expand and they moved to larger, purpose built premises.

They also invested in new equipment for maximum productivity.

Jean told the Guardian: "We have now been at our new premises for just over a year.

"This year Pure Signs has launched a new and dynamic website, introducing ourselves and allowing clients to view our premises and our products/services, while being informed about projects completed.

"We wanted to give 110 per cent of our energy and our time to something worthwhile."

The glittering gala evening for the Vale Royal Business Awards takes place at Portal Golf and Country Club, Tarporley, on Wednesday, June 15.

For details of the awards, the criteria for entering each category and an entry form, visit our helpful website at www.valeroyalbusiness

.co.uk.