The Bradford-born founder of a US messaging firm is the inspiration behind a new awards scheme being launched in the district.

The enterprising spirit shown by Walter Bowes, who helped start Pitney Bowes in 1920 after emigrating to America, is exactly what the E-Entrepreneurs Award is looking for.

Organised by Bradford Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the US firm, the scheme is open to companies in the district who have found an innovative use for new technology.

Vikki Lomas, Head of Communications with Pitney Bowes, said: "Bradford has always been an industrial, hard working city, but in the past few years there has been an in-crease in new business start-ups.

"Now there are many small companies based in the district who are doing extremely well, and this is their chance to shout about it. Who knows, we may meet the next 'Walter Bowes'."

The competition is open to any firms which have been up and running for at least two years, employ more than two people and can demonstrate growth through the use of new technology and the Internet. For the winning business there will be a chance to retrace the original journey made by Mr Bowes, with an all expenses paid trip to New York.

Chief executive of Bradford Chamber, Sandy Needham, hopes the scheme will attract interest from a wide range of firms.

She said: "The launch of this new award will provide businesses in this area with the perfect opportunity to celebrate their entrepreneurship."

Mr Bowes was born in Maw Street, Bradford in 1882, joining up with Harold Pitney in the States 30 years later to launch a new invention, the franking machine. Now a global provider of integrated mail and messaging, Pitney Bowes last year had a turnover of $4.2 billion.

The competition closing date is April 27. To apply, log on to the www.e-comm-award.co.uk website or call (01279) 449406.