LOCAL chartered accountants Haines Watts is launching its Young Entrepreneur of the Year competition on March 2.

It is open to young entrepreneurs from Basingstoke and around the Thames Valley, who will compete for a place in the November 12 finals.

As well as cash prizes, winners also receive a year’s free business mentoring from a Haines Watts partner.

For details and to enter the free competition visit hwye.co.uk.

Visitors to the website will find online support on offer as well, such as helpful tips and a blog.

Applicants must have been in business for over a year and live or work in the Basingstoke and Thames Valley area .

It is open to anyone who is under 36 years old on July 31, 2015 – there is no lower age limit.

Barry Potter, who is a partner based at Haines Watts’ Sarum Hill offices, in Basingstoke, said, “There are more young people than ever before starting up their own enterprise. We’re looking for the rising stars of the area to tell us about their businesses and submit a good case as to why they should become the 2015 Young Entrepreneur of the Year.”