The Future 50 will help to inspire a new generation of industry leaders, business secretary Vince Cable said, as he gave his backing to the EDP's initiative which has tracked some of Norfolk's most pioneering and innovative companies.

Dr Cable – who has been the government's champion for entrepreneurship – said the Future 50 campaign shone a light on emerging talent, giving them a platform to shout about their success.

As the EDP looks for its latest Future 50 businesses in a bid to celebrate those that are prepared to test their ideas and take a risk, Dr Cable said: 'We should be doing all we can to encourage people to develop their enterprise ambitions and not be deterred because of the challenging economic climate.

'Small and medium-sized enterprises make a vital contribution to our economy. This is why government remains committed to ensuring that they have the right environment to develop and grow by cutting red tape and offering easier access to finance.

He added: 'The Future 50 campaign, and also the government's own Make it in Great Britain 30 under 30, shine a light on emerging talent and give them a platform to shout about their success, which will help inspire a new generation of industry leaders.'

Since its launch in 2009, the EDP has helped identify and track a host of innovative businesses across Norfolk – often hidden gems, whose achievements may not have previously seen the light of day.

Risk takers hold the key to helping to getting the economy back on track and the EDP wants to to shout about the achievements of the Future 50 more than ever.

The Future 50 is more than just about stories in the newspaper.

Working with five leading sponsors – NWES, Birketts, Lovewell Blake, Coutts, and City College Norwich – members also have the chance to pick the brains of some of the region's leading business development experts.

Future 50 members will also be able to attend a series of key networking events and are invited to stay in touch through a dedicated Future 50 Linkedin group.

You can nominate either yourself or your business, or you can also nominate a company you think should be part of the Future 50.

Go to the dedicated website www.norfolk-future50.co.uk and fill in the entry form, setting out in no more than 500 words why you want to take part.

There is also the option of uploading some additional files to let us know a bit more about your business.