Six fledgling firms from across the Midlands have been crowned regional winners in the 2006 HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards.

The six businesses - which are all less than three years old - were honoured yesterday at a ceremony at Sutton Coldfield's New Hall Hotel receiving a commemorative certificate before an audience of 60 guests.

Every woman wants to own a collection of fabulous jewellery, which was the inspiration for Jo Stroud's business, Fabulous Collections.

In addition to a centrally located shop in Leamington Spa, Fabulous sells through its website and at fairs and jewellery parties.

Olive Catering, of Ratcliffe Culey, Warwickshire, was established by its four founders - Sally-Ann Bradley, Damon Brown, Lois Heywood and Andrew Norrie - with a mission statement to become "the independent caterer of choice".

Olive has built up a business in less than two years that employs 180 people, serving 7,000 meals a day in staff restaurants, schools and colleges throughout the Greater Midlands area.

Like many start-ups, David Harker and Paul Concannon were prompted to launch their own business We Clean, of Rubery, Birmingham, when their previous employers 'sold out' to a bigger organisation.

We Clean was launched three years ago and has already helped the two directors achieve the majority of their goals, having grown into a profitable business with a healthy turnover and a bright future.

In the longer term, they hope to see it develop into a national brand.

The other finalists were Prime Principle, of Nottingham, a software for schools operation, Roses Tea Rooms, of Heswall, Wirral, and Brightkidz (Safe Kids Walking), of Kettering, a clothing range which would allow both children and adults to be easily spotted by motorists.

The Midlands heat is one of five being held during July across the UK - all regional winners go forward to the National Judging Panel, who select the Top 10 National Finalists.

They then compete for the top prize of £25,000 plus the title HSBC Start-Up Star 2006.

The overall winner and runner-up will be announced at an event at London's Savoy Hotel on October 17.