Time is running out for East Renfrewshire firms to enter a contest which aims to find the best new business of 2017.

The deadline for taking part in the Start-up Business of the Year competition is Monday, February 5, with local entrepreneurs being urged to get involved.

The contest, dubbed ‘Virgin Startup10: Scotland,’ offers prizes such as mentoring from a leading law firm.

The top ten will be shortlisted next month, with the overall winner to be revealed at a ceremony in March.

Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Business Innovation and Energy, said: “Scotland has a proud tradition of entrepreneurship and identifying best practice among start-ups helps communicate that practice to other new businesses, helping to ensure they survive and thrive.”

Judging the contest are some of Scotland’s top entrepreneurs, who will also mentor the winner as part of the ‘money can’t buy’ prizes on offer to all 10 finalists.

To find out more or submit an entry, visit www.virginstartup.org/10-scotland.