WOMEN running their own business in the North-East have just over a week to go for a £10,000 cash prize before entries close in the T-Mobile Women Mean Business Awards.

Organisers say that, unlike the rest of the UK, businesswomen from the region have been shy to share their business success stories.

"We are looking for women who own businesses more than two years old", said a spokesman.

"We know there is a huge pool of talent in the North-East but perhaps local businesswomen, unlike their male counterparts, are reluctant to shout about their success.

"Meanwhile, it is the rest of the country who is making all the running - so our message to the region's businesswomen is enter now and fly the flag for the North-East."

Any size business can enter the awards, providing the majority of shares are in private ownership and the company has been running for more than two years.

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Patricia Hewitt, expects record numbers of women to start new businesses this year.

"In the US, the level of women's business ownership is twice that of the UK", she said.

"One of my aims is to match, or even exceed, what has been achieved there. To do this, we must ensure that women-owned businesses, whatever their size, are valued and supported effectively."

For more details and an entry form, please call the organisers' office on 020 8673 2020.

Closing date for entries is next Friday, April 11