A BOARD and card game manufacturer was chosen as one of eight regional finalists in a competition run by Parcelforce Worldwide for small businesses which attracted more than 2,000 entries.

The Green Board Company Ltd, which makes educational games for families and children, was nominated for the title South East Small Business of the Year.

The company, now in Coronation Road, with a staff of three, was set up by Gary Wyatt, who in 1991, decided he had had enough of working in a corporate environment, spending much of his time away from home.

"I wanted to do something to enable me to have a more balanced lifestyle," said Gary.

Today the company sells around 40 games to a worldwide market, with the USA its largest export market.

Gary has also written a guide You've Invented a Board Game What's Next? with anecdotes and practical tips for others who might like to invent games.

On a more serious note, on deciding to enter the competition, he said: "By doing something like this you have to crystallise your thoughts, spending time thinking about the way we do things and if there are other ways to do them."

More details are available at www.greenboardgames.com Rollover Ltd, a wholesale supplier of hot-dog equipment and consumables based in Slough took the title of South East Small Business of the Year.

Rollover now goes forward to the national final on November 30.