WE want to find Glasgow's favourite business - and who better to ask than the people who know this city best our readers?

This year looks set to be the biggest in the history of the Glasgow Business Awards, of which the Evening Times is media partner.

We're stylists to the stars WHEN Alan and Linda Stewart opened their first salon nearly 30 years ago on Buchanan Street, little did they think they would one day employ 250 people, become one of the biggest hairdressing academies in Britain and be named one of the best salons in the world. Back then they were just young hairdressers, although they did have big ideas. Linda said: "We started out just wanting to cut hair, but Alan has always had these ideas of things he would like to do and like to try. "Someone once said to him he always seems to think out of the box. But, as he admits, it's easy because I don't think he has been in the box to start with!" As well as 10 hair salons and two beauty and spa salons across west Scotland, another two salons are on the way for East Kilbride and Uddingston. And some famous names have entrusted their barnets to them. Robbie Williams, Girls Aloud and Denise van Outen have all had their hair styled by the Rainbow Room team. But one of Alan and Linda's biggest projects has been their Academy. The £1million venture on Howard Street, in Glasgow city centre, was launched in 2006 and has facilities to train 300 hairdressing apprentices a year. It was one of the first academies in Scotland to introduce electronic learning and internet training programmes. Little wonder that this year Alan and Linda headed to Hollywood to pick up an award after being named one of the world's top salons at the Global Hairdressing Awards. Now their eyes are on the Evening Times Favourite Business Award. Linda said: "The majority of awards we are nominated for are trade awards or are trade competitions. This is different as it is the public that decides. "It is great recognition for everyone who works here."

One of the highlights of the awards is the battle for the Favourite Business title, which is the only category where YOU vote the winner.

The event, sponsored by Bank of Scotland Corporate, is now in its 11th year and we are looking for a company that will join the ranks of Tennent's and the Pavilion Theatre, which previously won the title.

Whisky firm Auchentoshan won the award last year, while Bradford's Bakers picked it up in 2006. The bakery firm even had celebrities voting for it, with actor Robert Carlyle having taken the time to fill in a form.

We have drawn a shortlist of firms we think are deserving of the title. So what are we looking for in this year's winner?

It could be a business that you believe gives something back to Glasgow, or one that has helped reinforce the city's reputation as a major player on a global stage.

It could even be a firm you hold dear to your heart or one you like to deal with.

Those in the running are: Rainbow Room International, Slater's Menswear, Mr Singh's India, McGhee's Bakers, M&D's and Powerleague.

Stuart Yuill, head of business banking at Bank of Scotland Corporate, said: "We have been working in partnership with companies across Glasgow for many years and are aware of the hard work and determination many put into their business to ensure they are successful.

"The Glasgow Business Awards help recognise this hard work and the Evening Times' Favourite Business Award has always proven a very popular contest. It helps highlight the important role businesses play within the community."

The Favourite Business category is just one of 10 in this year's awards, which have been revamped by Richard Cairns, the new chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.

Companies can nominate themselves for the other awards.

This year new titles, such as Business Deal Of The Year have been introduced, and firms from across Glasgow and the west are being encouraged to enter, whether they are members of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce or not.

For more information log on to: Glasgow Business Awards.

Mr Cairns said: "We are delighted to have teamed up again with Evening Times this year to recognise and celebrate the huge contribution business makes to the life of our city.

"I would encourage all firms, large and small to enter. We have deliberately designed the awards so there is room for every kind of business to put themselves forward.

"The Evening Times Favourite Business is always a special and hotly contested category.

It is one Glasgow businesses are very proud to win.

"I am sure this year will be no exception."