By Keir Mudie

Last updated 13:38, Thursday, 08 May 2008

TODAY is the last chance for businesses to enter a competition to find Cumbria’s top green firms.

The Barclays Commercial Bank Green Leaders in Business Awards is a search for the UK and Ireland’s businesses which are helping to save the planet.

The awards recognise companies who are using pioneering processes or new sustainable technology, products or services to help beat climate change, and crucially, boost their own profits.

Green Leaders in Business is open to all UK companies, and has three separate categories – companies with a turnover below £1m; between £1m and £20m; and above £20m.

Barclays Commercial Bank marketing director Richard French said: “We believe the UK and Ireland has forward-thinking men and women who are finding innovative ways of doing business to build a new economy that is both realistic and sustainable.

“These leaders also know that ‘green business’ is good for profits and that being an effective operator in this area can make a real difference to their bottom line. Barclays Commercial Bank is delighted to have this opportunity to recognise their achievements.”

Companies wishing to enter the awards have until today to send in their entries.

Michael Hartig, corporate director for Barclays Commercial Bank, said: “We are looking for businesses – from sole traders to FTSE 100 companies – for whom ecology and economy are two sides of the same coin and whose values include making a positive difference to our environment while striving to make a profit at the same time.

“Each company will need to demonstrate how their ‘eco-imagination’ has spawned new green products, services and systems that will help conserve dwindling resources and protect endangered environments, as well as boosting their own business success.”

Winners will be announced at a gala luncheon for 250 guests in London in September.

Entry forms for the awards are available throughout Barclays branches or by calling 0800 085 3203.