SCOTLAND'S major football success stories can be counted on one hand - Celtic in Lisbon in 1967, Rangers in Barcelona in 1972, Aberdeen in Gothenburg in 1983.

But if you want real results look no further than Powerleague.

The five-a-side football pitch company, which began life 21 years ago on a tennis court in Paisley, has grown to become one of the biggest names in business.

It is used by 125,000 footie enthusiasts every week at 43 centres nationwide.

It has operations in almost every major city in Britain and performances on the markets that make stockbrokers celebrate like they have won the league.

Little wonder, then, it is one of the contenders for this year's Evening Times Favourite Business Award at the Glasgow Business Awards.

Chief executive Sean Tracey said: "We have always had a strong identity in Glasgow. The business started in Paisley, but our first major centre was in Glasgow (at Townhead) and it has always been popular.

"I even played there while I was a student and people who were playing alongside me 16 years ago are still making block bookings there!"

Some of those who use it today also played there as children. The company has a policy of allowing children to play free at its centres. Every week 20,000 children from across the UK play on its pitches for nothing.

The business also operates 13 school sites'. These are pitches built close to schools that are given over to schools during the day, and only used by Powerleague in the evenings and weekends.

The loyalty of customers is matched by the loyalty of the workforce. Staff turnover is low.

Mr Tracey has been with the company 16 years, but Angela Croley has been there even longer, and climbed the ranks in the process. She has risen from part-time receptionist to general manager at the Townhead centre.

Like the Old Firm and Aberdeen, the company wants to be a success in Europe.

Mr Tracey said: "We have ambitions to make inroads into Europe - people are just as passionate about football abroad as they are here.

"It is nice to look at our achievements and remind everyone we are a Scottish success story. You can't say that very often in football!"

Powerleague is up against five other famous names for the Evening Times Favourite Business Award. The others are: McGhee's Bakery; restaurant Mr Singh's India; clothing retailer Slater; M&D's Funpark; and hairdressing group Rainbow Room International.

We want you to decide who wins. Simply write or e-mail to tell us who you think is the worthiest winner.

Send your choice with your name and address to: Evening Times Favourite Business Award, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 3QB.

Or send an e-mail to: awards@eveningtimes.co.uk The award is one category in this year's Glasgow Business Awards.

Organised by the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, the awards celebrate the success and achievements of firms large and small, and categories are open to all across Glasgow and west Scotland.

Nominations are being accepted until September 5 and the gala is on October 23 at the Crowne Plaza hotel.

For more info see: www.glasgowbusinessawards.org