It is back for a fifth year – and things are about to get serious as businesses prepare for the ultimate showdown.

The Towergate Accumulator Challenge, in aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care, kicks off in June and organisers are calling for businesses to get involved in what promises to be the biggest battle yet.

Since the first Accumulator Challenge in 2010 the hard-working and innovative firms taking part have raised more than £150,000 for the hospice, in Bury St Edmunds.

At the start of the three-month annual challenge – which is supported by the East Anglian Daily Times and The Mercury Series of newspapers - each business is handed £50 by event sponsors Towergate Insurance. They are then charged with turning it into as much money for the Hospice as possible.

Over the years creative money-making antics have included fancy dress congas, mechanical pig racing challenges and go-karting, while more traditional fundraisers - such as cake and book sales - have also proved very successful.

This year, hospice corporate fundraiser Abby Mayes is hoping to persuade as many businesses as possible to take part in what she describes as 2a summer of fun and fundraising”.

She said: “Those taking part in the Accumulator Challenge always surprise me with how they decide to use their £50 stake money.

“I’ve seen some very unusual fundraising ideas over the years and I have also seen a lot of smiles from those taking part.

“The Accumulator Challenge has proved to be a good team-building exercise as well as a great business networking opportunity. But most of all, every penny that has been raised so far and will be raised this year helps to support people facing life-shortening illnesses and their families.”

The firms which sign up will face off in the ultimate showdown and compete to win the top fundraiser prize.

A range of other accolades – including most innovative idea and small business award – will also be presented at a finals night in September, when the total amount raised in the challenge will be revealed.

Paul Whittaker, of Towergate Insurance, said: “The Towergate Accumulator Challenge has been a great success in terms of raising money and organisations having a great deal of fun.

“In this, the hospice’s 30th anniversary year, it seems fitting to make the 2014 event extra special and the ‘ultimate showdown’.

“We are very proud of what the challenge has raised so far and look forward to a summer of activity, enjoyment and competition.”

For more information or to get involved, contact Abby on 01284 715583 or email abby.mayes@stnh.org.uk