Yippee! Margaret Taylor, principal of York Business College and its new recruitment arm, YBC Recruitment, is giving workers in the city the chance to go west by proving they're a cut above the rest.

Today Margaret launched Simply The Best, a quest to find the top ten employees in the city who really make a difference to their organisations.

Bosses are asked to nominate their support staff who they believe are really worthy of a catalogue of amazing prizes, including a trip from old York to New York, a three-night stay for two worth a total of £1,000. "It is our way of giving recognition and attention to the thousands of office support staff on whom York businesses rely day in, day out. One of them will be worthy of The Big Apple."

Sponsors have been queuing to contribute towards the idea. Also at stake is a trip to Amsterdam for two; a Marks & Spencer voucher worth £250 plus a personal shopper escort; and dinner, bed and breakfast at the Royal York or another hotel in the Principles group.

Then there is a trip with dinner to a show at the Globe Theatre in London, given by Milburns Restaurant, which owns the St William's College and York Railway Museum restaurants; a courtesy car for a weekend from Sixt Cars of York, membership of the Barbican Fitness Centre and a winner's trophy from Minster FM.

Companies representing the top three employees get stationery vouchers from Kall Kwik of York.

Margaret said: "We are still talking to others who are keen to get on board, so there are plenty of incentives for employers to reward their best people."

Judges at the College and YBC Recruitment HQ in River House, Museum Street, will include Roland Harris, chief executive of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Paul Murphy, chief executive of the Inward Investment Board, Ron Godfrey, business editor of the Evening Press, Sue Oliver, chief verifier for the Royal Society of Arts and Sue Morris, who is on the board of York Theatre Royal.

Winners will be announced at YBC Recruitment's York and District Office Personnel Show at the Royal York Hotel on October 20.

Bosses can apply for nomination forms by phone (contacting Lisa Evans) on York 642800, or by fax on York 642900. (A form will be faxed back).

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