THE FOUNDER of babywear company JoJo Maman BeBe has put her weight behind a bid to find the best business leaders in Wales.

The Leading Wales Awards have been developed by a consortium of public and private sector players to celebrate personal achievement in outstanding leadership and management. Nominations are being sought from all parts of the country in advance of a final to be held at the Cardiff Hilton on February 11 next year.

Newport entrepreneur and babywear supremo Laura Tenison said: "The Leading Wales Awards are a good opportunity to celebrate leadership at all levels.

"No company or organisation can function properly without good leaders - they are the lifeblood of Welsh businesses and I'm delighted to support these awards.

"I'm particularly keen on encouraging businesses from Newport to enter: it would be great to see a winner from Wales' newest city."

The awards have four categories: businesses employing over 250 people; under 250; the public sector, and the voluntary/not-for-profit sector.

An independent judging panel will assess nominations and interview all short-listed candidates.

Nominations close this Friday so you'd better get your skates on. The judges will be looking for examples of how nominees provide direction in their jobs for others, how they secure commitment, manage change and achieve results.

Awards spokesperson Barbara Chidgey said: "Current awards in Wales do not specifically recognise and celebrate outstanding leaders and managers. Research by the Wales Management Council indicates just how important it is for us to identify, acknowledge and celebrate such talent."

Christopher Ward, chief executive of the Wales Management Council, said: "The organisers share a passionate and professional belief that outstanding leadership and management is the key driver of the growth of the economy of Wales.

"In judging the awards considerable emphasis will also be placed on the softer skills of inspirational leadership and motivation and the way in which they help an organisation achieve its goals."

The awards are sponsored by Business in Focus, Legal & General, Principality Building Society, Quadrant and TSW.

More information can be found at www.leadingwalesawards.com or by phoning 029 2069 4949. Nominations can be made on-line.