Scottish Enterprise, together with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, today began the hunt for Scotland's enterprise success stories with the launch of the Enterprising Britain 2009 competition.

Lord Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, is calling for hotspots of innovation - locations which are tackling the economic downturn head on by creating jobs, boosting local businesses and nurturing budding entrepreneurial talent - to step up and show why they deserve to be named Scotland's most enterprising place.

The Enterprising Britain competition, a key part of the Government's drive to create the right conditions for enterprise across the UK, seeks out areas of enterprise excellence from across the country - villages, towns, cities and neighbourhoods which have embedded a culture of enterprise that supports and encourages their entrepreneurs and businesses, helping them to survive the downturn and emerge stronger on the other side.

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Last year Heart of Hawick was named the most enterprising place in Scotland and went through to compete in the UK-wide competition. Heart of Hawick is an arts and culture-led regeneration project designed to make a substantial contribution to the social, cultural and economic regeneration of the town and the wider Borders area of Scotland. Through the regeneration of two key derelict buildings in Hawick's West End - Tower Mill and the Corn Exchange - the project has created jobs, provided services for young people and training for inclusion groups.

Among the project's successes are bringing a cinema back to Hawick following a 25 year absence, and increasing tourism through the regenerated tourist attractions. Engaging with young people has been a priority, with 255 pupils from the local high school working with artist Jane Gaze to create a Civic Space outside the new Heritage Hub. Each pupil created an individual ceramic cobble into which they impressed their surname, reflecting and embracing the multicultural nature of the town.

This year, Enterprising Britain is encouraging businesses-led projects which have transformed their local communities to enter the awards and gain recognition for their fantastic work.

Secretary of State for Business, Lord Mandelson said: "Enterprise is a long-term investment for the future and crucial for success in the current economic climate. In a downturn, it is more important than ever that entrepreneurs are supported and have the confidence they need to develop their ideas."

To register interest contact Gillian Grant on 01506 844 611.