Innovative start-up businesses have the chance of gaining free office space in Rainham in a competition.

For the second time, the Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence (CEME), in Marsh Way is running its Launchpad@CEME competition.

The competition gives entrepreneurs the chance to present their business plan to a panel of judges – with the winner getting a package, including office space for a year, worth �25,000.

The office space is based at CEME’s Innovation Centre, which is managed by the company Oxford Innovation.

Ross Clarke, regional director of the company, said: “We’re looking for companies that are innovative – in manufacturing, engineering, software – although that’s not exclusive.

“We’re looking for companies that can come in and look like they’ve got really good potential.”

The winner will also receive mentoring and support from Oxford Innovation and the CEME centre.

Ross added that the aim is to help the regeneration of the area.

“We’re trying to create something here at CEME which is increasing the manufacturing and engineering base and making CEME a magnet for that kind of business in East London and Essex,” he said.

Last year’s winner Eleanor Watson, founder of the company Poikos – a technology company which has designed virtual ways of measuring dress sizes.

The company has since expanded and moved to the Netherlands.

For more information about the contest, which is open to entrants until the end of the month, visit: www.launchpadceme.co.uk.