BUSINESSES in the region can still enter a competition to win a specialist advice package worth £1,200 from a leading North-East business consultancy.

Business Echo has teamed up with Smartspeed Consulting to offer one company in the region the chance to receive a tailored package to help increase its productivity and profitability.

Giles Johnston, managing director of Tyneside-based Smartspeed, will spend three days with the winning company to identify areas of its operation that could benefit from change.

Mr Johnston has particular expertise in production engineering, manufacturing engineering, project engineering and management, production planning and management, and IT planning systems.

To win the business advice package, tell us why your business needs Smartspeed's help and why it could benefit.

Send your answers to Smartspeed Competition, Business Desk, The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF, or email echobusiness@nne.co.uk by Tuesday, May 13.

Please include your name, position within the business, company name and address and full daytime contact details.

Newsquest competition rules apply.

■ Smartspeed Consulting also offer free business reviews - go to smart speed.co.uk for details.