1999's entrepreneur of the year was Mark Dixon of Regus, the serviced office provider. Now the campaign is on to find his successor, the first of the new millennium.

In addition to the overall winner, a series of regional winners are selected. The 1999 London award, for example, went to John Ritblat of British Land. The scheme attracts widespread support, including the participation of the DTI, IOD, British Chambers of Commerce and the Design Council.

Founded and run by Ernst & Young, the scheme's sponsors include Vodaphone, Citibank and The Times.

If you fancy your chances, full details are on E&Y's website (www.eyuk.com), and the deadline for applications isn't until March.

Elliott Chase