TWO companies in the region are vying to be named the UK's brightest new businesses.

An arts and education consultancy and a haulage company are two of the entries in the HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards.

The awards aim to celebrate the best company under three years old and the entrepreneurs who run them, with a prize of £20,000 for the winner.

Brian Wise Arts and Education was started by director Brian Wise just under two years ago to serve County Durham.

Mr Wise was inspired to start his business after working as a professional musician and performing arts teacher for 23 years.

The company offers a freelance arts and education consultancy which includes music and drama workshops, community arts project development and supply cover for schools.

He is hoping to develop an arts agency providing a one-stop shop for schools, colleges, universities and community groups who want to work with artists.

Mitchell Trucking Company was started by director Gordon Mitchell just over a year ago.

It provides a forwarding service throughout the UK and the continent through its own fleet, as well as sub-contracting to other hauliers.

Operating from its Middlesbrough warehouse, the company is expanding.

Ten national finalists will be named in July with the winner and runner-up announced on Thursday, October 13, at the Savoy Hotel, in London.

Entry forms are available from HSBC branches or online at www.ukbusiness.hsbc.com.