TV star Gyles Brandreth wants businesses, individuals, charities and public sector organisations to show the world what makes them so special by entering our Rising Stars Business Excellence Awards 2008.

Gyles will be the main speaker at a glittering awards ceremony for winners, which will be held at the plush Park Inn Hotel, Bedford, on November 6. The Master Of Ceremonies will be BBC sports presenter Ray Stubbs

The awards are now open for nominations on this website. The awards are being organised by newspaper publisher Premier Newspapers, which owns a host of titles across Bedfordshire, and the Learning and Skills Council Bedfordshire & Luton.

Gyles said: 'You should definitely enter these awards and tell your story to the world. I am excited to be guest speaker because I know they are rewarding genuine achievement.'

Gyles, who was one of the first people to appear on Channel 4's iconic Countdown show, added: 'With some awards, they go to those who have paid the most in advertising but it is not the case with these, which give genuine recognition to a range of achievements and are a real occasion and something to celebrate.'

From his own experience in John Major's Conservative government, as a successful entrepreneur and from travelling around the country, he gave his idea on what makes for true success.

He said: 'Really successful people are those who obey these three most significan words. They are 'Don't dabble. Focus!'.'

To enter, see the link on our home page or click here to be taken straight to the relevant section. It's really easy to make a nomination, so why not do it now? The deadline for entries is Friday, October 10.

Gongs up for grabs

• Shining Star Award sponsored by Barnfield College


• Small/Medium Business Of The Year sponsored by Axis Electronics


• Employee Of The Year Award sponsored by Keens Shay Keens


• Business Training Award sponsored by Bedford College


• Green Business Award sponsored by Beds County Council


• Innovation Award sponsored by University Of Bedfordshire


• Champions of Learning Award sponsored by LSC


• www. business of the year award sponsored by Bedford Borough Council


• Company Of The Year Award sponsored by Chamber of Commerce


• Customer Care Excellence sponsored by Premier Newspapers