APPLICATIONS are already flowing in for THE ONE, a contest for up-and-coming entrepreneurs across East Anglia with a prize package worth �50,000 for the winner.

THE ONE, which was held for the first time last year is the idea of PR agency Voice Communications and brand and creative firm Zeal Design, and is being run through the East Anglian Daily Times in conjunction with a number of other successful regional businesses.

Last year’s winner Edward Halls, chef patron of the Rose & Crown pub restaurant at Great Horkesley, near Colchester, is joining sponsors on the panel of judges for this year’s contest, which is open for entries until Friday, October 21.

Entries can be made online at http://www.eadt.co.uk/business/the-one and entry forms are also available by email to debbie.noye@archant.co.uk .

The prize for the winner includes PR consultancy and implementation from Voice to the value of �10,000, design consultancy and creative services from Zeal to the value of �10,000 and advertising in the EADT to the value of �10,000.

Also included in the package are business consultancy from Simon May to the value of �5,000, search engine optimisation services from Climbing Trees Online Marketing to the value of �5,000, legal support from Ellisons Solicitors to the value of �3,500, accountancy advice and annual returns from LB Group to the value of �3,000, leadership and management coaching from Faith Performance to the value of �2,000, and call answering services from MyRuby to the value of �1,500.

“Being crowned THE ONE and winning �50,000 worth of business support has been incredible,” said Mr Halls. “The services have been invaluable and have allowed me to free up much more of my time to concentrate on running my business and cooking. I would urge any budding entrepreneurs or young companies to enter.”

Nichola Cain, managing director of Voice Communications, said: “We’ve had a brilliant year working with Edward Halls, and the competition offers a fantastic opportunity for us to help another entrepreneur raise their profile.”

Entrants are required to provide a description of their achievements together with ideas about how they would use the prize. Finalists will be invited to give a 45 minute presentation to the judges, with the winner being announced in November.