Now in their seventh consecutive year, the awards offer recognition to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across six different categories considered key in realising the benefits to be gained by businesses adopting e-business methods.

The Awards are open to any UK business with up to 250 employees which would like the opportunity to win the £50,000 cash prize. They are run on a regional and national level and recognise areas in which organisations can demonstrate business transformation. This year, new categories have been introduced to reflect the changing face of e-business: best use of broadband, best use of teleworking, best use of mobile and wireless technology, best sales & marketing online, best customer care online, and the most integrated business.

The Tickle Group's award was for 'Best use of Broadband' for the recent work of an online virtual walk around of Oxford Road in Manchester. Created for the Centre for Construction Innovation, the visitor to the website can 'walk' the length of Oxford Road from Princess Street to the Palace Hotel, there is even a 'fly' option!