THE DEADLINE has passed for entries in the regional heat of the Enterprising Britain competition.

The East of England Development Agency (EEDA), launched its search for the most enterprising place in the region in February.

For more information about the competition visit eeda.org.uk/enterprisingbritain

IMPACT Security has secured a contract to provide security along the rail link between a London and Kent railway station.

The business, based in Peartree Road, Colchester, will work to prevent valuable copper cable, which runs along the tracks, from being stolen between St Pancras and Ashford.

The contract, which runs until Christmas this year, is worth "several million pounds", said business owner Tony Fithon.

A NEW hair salon has opened for business in the Hythe, Colchester.

Ego Hair and Beauty Salon in Lightship Way, is being run by Donna Ryder, daughter Carly, 22, and friend Lorraine Haskins, who are all from Clacton.

Growth in the town spurred the trip to open the business in Colchester, said Ms Ryder.

"We chose Colchester to start our business as we feel the regeneration in the Hythe is an ideal economical climate for a modern company," added Ms Ryder.

Both Ms Haskins and Carly Ryder are members of the industry's Clynol Protege team.

CORPORATE responsibility and ethical trading were the topics of discussion at a recent seminar.

More than 40 businesses attended the event in Chelmsford, which was organised by Colchester law firm Fisher Jones Greenwood, the Human Rights Centre at Essex University, and the Essex Chambers of Commerce.

The seminar also involved an open forum with ethical business specialists including Jane Blacklock of Impact, rural and social development specialist Helen Russell from Golder Associates and Jason Cattrell from JC Fuels, an environmentally friendly biodiesel company.