LAST CHANCE TO ENTER BUSINESS HERO AWARDS

10th May 2009

There are just two weeks left for business heroes to enter the 2009 Barclays Trading Places Awards - a national award celebrating men and women who are turning
their lives around by choosing to start up a business.

The Government backed Barclays Trading Places Awards recognise business heroes who are no strangers to overcoming adversity - whether it's dealing with illness
or disability, facing challenging family responsibilities head-on, or turning their back on benefits.

Last year's winners, cider makers Toloja Orchards, invested their prize money back into their business and have seen their turnover treble since winning the award.

Founder Kevin Sweet set up the apple orchard with his wife Nikki in 2005 after being made redundant several times and overcoming heart surgery. Their award-winning
cider is now sold in over 60 outlets.

Barclays Marketing Director for Local Business, John Davis, said: "Trading Places is a celebration of inspiring people who have struggled through adversity to get their businesses up and running - and that's even more relevant in today's turbulent times.

"We know it's tough out there at the moment but we want to tell entrepreneurs they don't have to make the journey alone. We are committed to doing everything we can to
help, and the fact is we're supporting more businesses, and with greater lending commitments, than ever before." The awards are open to everyone who has been trading for a minimum of three months and a maximum of three years, with an annual turnover of less than £1 million and a story to tell.

This year's national finalists will be competing in three new categories - Triumph over Disability, Success after Unemployment and the Spirit of Inspiration Award - before
hoping to be named the 2009 Barclays Trading Places Winner.

Each category winner will also walk away with £5,000 for their business, courtesy of Barclays, and all national finalists will receive £2,000 worth of computer software
from awards supporter Microsoft.

Another new addition for 2009 will see the awards partners coming together to offer everyone who enters a range of business support and mentoring packages.

Helping to launch Trading Places Lord Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business, said: "An enterprising culture can create jobs and transform communities - all
of which is vital during these uncertain economic times.

"Through initiatives such as Barclays Trading Places Awards we can honour the next wave of entrepreneurs who have overcome personal barriers, driven change and made
their ideas a reality."

Other award partners are Jobcentre Plus, The Prince's Trust, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), the NFEA and Leonard Cheshire.

Entries for the Barclays Trading Places Awards, now in their fifth year, must be in by 22nd May. Nomination leaflets are available by calling 0800 085 3203 or
visiting www.barclays.co.uk/tradingplaces