Time is running out in the race to win an all-expenses paid trip to NADA 2001 in Las Vegas.

There is one week to the closing date for the last quarterly round of the Award for Financial Excellence 2000. Despite the pressure of disrupted September sales, dealer business managers from around the country are fighting it out for the two remaining places in the competition finals - to be held in Edinburgh in late November.

Neil Clyne, sales director of award sponsors GE Capital Woodchester, said: “I know this month has been difficult for dealers but I am delighted with the level of competition we are attracting.

“It shows how creative good business managers can be -and how valuable they are to a dealership in troubled times.” Mr Clyne, with judges from Automotive Management and performance specialists Mitac, will be looking for innovative finance solutions which have improved the performance of a business and given extra customer satisfaction.

Rather than concentrate on one specific deal, entrants can put forward any aspect of financial innovation - a new product, marketing programme, processes, training or even good teamwork. The award is open to teams and individuals. The winner of this final quarterly round will scoop £1,000 in cash and, along with a highly commended entry, go forward to the final.

In the final, they will join Martin Dillow from Lancaster Sevenoaks; Gary Norris, Norris Brothers; Ian Rimmer of RRG Toyota and Philip Bates of Perry Milton Keynes.

All entrants become members of the elite Academy of Financial Excellence, which gives them access to regular finance briefings and privileged entry to selected Automotive Management events.