A NEW award recognises firms which are using innovative ways of emerging from the recession.

The Best Practice Award for Innovation, launched by North of England Excellence, is open to organisations of any size and type which have introduced an innovative service, product or idea since January 1, 2009.

The closing date is Friday, May 28, and the award will be presented at the annual North of England Business Excellence Awards ceremony in Leeds in October.

For details, visit northof englandexcellence.co.uk.