TODAY'S the day that Enterprising Britain judges scrutinise our city.

A panel of judges is visiting Plymouth throughout the day to see what the city offers in the way of enterprise.

Plymouth was named the 'most enterprising place in the South West' last month in the Government's Enterprising Britain competition.

Today the judges will tour the city to see how Plymouth will fare come the national finals in September.

Elaine Budd, Plymouth's business growth project manager, said: “The panel will be looking around the city today. They will meet with entrepreneurs and business leaders in the city and make notes in preparation for the national final.

“We have done really well to get this far – but I think we can go all the way and win. I think the judges will be pleased by what they see today.”

Elaine Budd said that winning the regional heat of the Enterprising Britain competition last month was “hard work” – but “a fantastic achievement”.

She will be meeting the judges today and showing off the city centre, plans for Plymouth Summer Festival and the university buildings.

The judges will also later meet with The Herald's editor Bill Martin and professional sailor Conrad Humphries.

Enterprising Britain 2008 is a nationwide competition run by Make Your Mark on behalf of the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, and in partnership with the South West Regional Development Agency.

Now in its fourth year, the competition celebrates and rewards those places of enterprise excellence that have helped transform the social and economic fortunes of their area.

Against stiff competition, the judges said Plymouth had been recognised for its “shared sense of purpose, its progress in increasing enterprise activity and for its aspiration to become the enterprise capital of the South West”.

But it is still up against plenty of other British cities in its fight for enterprise glory.

Stephen Peacock, the RDA's executive director of enterprise and innovation, said: “The South West has a rich history of enterprise and we're confident the success of Plymouth will spur on others to take the plunge and set up innovative initiatives that unlock the region's business potential.”

During this month and next, Plymouth will be visited by members of the judging panel. This year's panel includes Peter Jones, of Dragons' Den fame, and James Murray Wells who, at 21, launched Glasses Direct, the largest direct seller of spectacles in the world.

The Enterprising Britain 2008 winner will go on to represent the UK at the European Enterprise Awards later in the year.