HSBC  is inviting ambitious Yorkshire and Humberside companies to enter its Global  Connections  competition, which recognises the UK’s most innovative and forward-thinking businesses.

Now  in its fourth year, Global Connections recognises businesses which are achieving  excellence in three categories – innovation, international trade and mid-market growth.

The  competition is founded on the belief that expansion and success for UK businesses  is  likely  to  come  to  those  that venture beyond their home territories and take their products and services into the growth markets of the future.

Regional heats will take place across the North and Scotland, the Midlands, South West  and  Wales, South East and London, with three Regional winners being  announced per region.  These 15 exceptional companies will then compete for the National titles.

Those  companies  shortlisted  can  gain access to lending facilities up to £6m,  linked  to  a  financial  reward  of  up to £120,000 (doubled for the national  winners),  and  the  opportunity to take part in an International  Exchange  –  a  series of seminars, visits and networking.

These exchanges take  place  in  cities  around the world selected as growth markets of the coming  decades.   Previous destinations have included New York, Singapore, Shanghai  and Dubai. Most business owners leave with a fresh perspective of international markets and a revitalised vision for their business.

Previous  regional  finalists  from the Yorkshire and Humber region include Evolution  Power  Tools  from  Sheffield  and  Wakefield-based  engineering company Joseph Rhodes Ltd.

David  Beaty,  HSBC  regional  commercial  director  for  the  north, said:

“Through our meetings with business leaders across the region, we know that Yorkshire  and the Humber is home to many entrepreneurial, forward-thinking companies.

“Our  Global  Connections initiative seeks to help UK businesses compete at the  forefront  of  both domestic and international trade.

“Not only can we help  through providing funding, but also through introducing them to other entrepreneurial  businesses  both  in the UK and around the world.

“Once you bring  businesses  together,  you  can tangibly see partnerships forming as they  share  challenges,  insights,  and  find synergies to help each other grow.

“It  is  a  privilege  to facilitate these connections and to help UK businesses achieve success. Trading across borders is not only critical for the  future  success  of businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber but is also critical to the UK economy.”

Entrants  to  the  competition  must be based in the UK, have a turnover of between  £2 million and £100 million and have been trading for at least two years.

Applications can  be submitted now via the http://globalconnections.hsbc.com  website. The  deadline  for  entry  is December 8.