A search has started to find the brightest budding young business tycoons in Oxfordshire, writes David Duffy.

The Livewire young entrepreneur of the year competition is open to people aged 30 or below who have been trading for at least three months and less than 18 months on January 31, 2001.

Last year's winner was Carlo Tortora-Brayda, of Advanced Alchemy, a telemarketing company based in Magdalen Road, Oxford. He went on to the regional final and won the award for the business with the highest growth potential.

Carlo said: "Winning Livewire really helped me in the start-up phase.

"Not only did the publicity help, I also gained the confidence that I was on the right track."

To enter, young people need to submit a business plan to Roger Cowdrey at the Thames Business Advice Centre in Osney Mead, Oxford, by January 31. For details, call Mr Cowdrey on 01865 249279.