Search on for Business Heroes

Disabled winner Brad Stewart (second from left) with John Davis, Lorraine Kelly and Barclay Business's Steve Cooper.

The search is on to find men and women who have beaten the odds to succeed in business, with the launch of the fifth annual Barclays Trading Places Awards.

Enterprising individuals who have triumphed over personal adversity to turn their business dreams into a reality have until Friday 16 July to tell the judges their story – and why they should win a share of the £50,000 prize fund.

This year’s Barclays Trading Places Awards will also invite people to nominate someone they know who deserves national recognition and in spite of facing some of life’s greatest challenges, are running their own business – for example, a member of their family or even their boss!

Previous finalists have included Bradley Stewart; paralysed after a car crash, he went on to set-up a mobile disco business.

Chair of the judging panel and Managing Director, Barclays Business, Steve Cooper said: “Trading Places is a celebration of men and women who, in spite of great personal challenges, have taken steps to establish a sustainable business and in doing so changed the direction of their lives for the better.

“We are delighted to have this opportunity to recognise their achievements whilst highlighting an increasingly important sector of the business community – whether they are sole traders or small businesses that together underpin our economy.”

The overall winner will receive a cheque for £10,000, with the runner up getting £5,000 for their business. Additional prizes will be distributed through regional competitions leading to the final, prestigious black-tie gala dinner at The Savoy in London in November.

Awards partners include youth charity The Prince’s Trust, Leonard Cheshire Disability, the NFEA, Crisis, PRIME and the cdfa.

Entry forms are available in Barclays branches, by calling the Awards Office on 020 8673 2020 or by visiting www.barclays.co.uk/tradingplaces.