Don't we look the business!

Byline: By Rebecca Carter

Part of feeling good is looking good and while our finalists are to be congratulated there's no doubt that on the big day their performance will be given a much needed injection if they know they look the part.

Which is why we took James Surgeon, 23, from Heaton, Newcastle, Stacey Russell, 25, from Gateshead, and Sharon Olver, 36, from Castle Eden, County Durham, who have made it through this year's Biz Idol final, out for a bit of retail therapy.

Biz Idol is a regional business ideas competition that encourages local entrepreneurs to submit their business ideas and pitch them in front of a panel of judges. It's part of this year's Business Week Tyne & Wear (June 30-July 6), which will see events happening right across the region to encourage people into business.

Out of hundreds of entries for Biz Idol this year, the three finalists must go head-to-head at the Big Day Event free business show at Sunderland's Stadium of Light next Thursday to see who wins the crown and the big prize.

James, Stacey and Sharon are now facing the daunting task of getting ready to pitch their business to the panel of top entrepreneurs one last time at Biz Idol Final.

We took the trio to Newcastle city centre to give each of them two perfect pitching outfits: one ultra-smart and one more casual.

We fitted James out at Burton in Eldon Square and for the girls we went to M&S on Northumberland Street.

* The Big Day Event is a unique FREE day of inspiring seminars, interactive business showcases and targeted networking. Watch the Biz Idol pitches in the morning and join in the Celebration Hour in the afternoon when the winner will be announced ( log on to www.business-week.org/bigdayevent for more information and to book your free place.

* Special thanks to Keith, Jan, Alan, John and all the team at Burton Eldon Square; Paul and Katrina at Marks & Spencer Newcastle, the team at O Communications and Dan and all the team at the bgroup i6 building in Newcastle, where the photographs were taken.

COMPETITION

Burton Eldon Square has an exclusive competition for Chronicle readers. It is giving one lucky reader the chance to win one of its made-to-measure suits, worth pounds 375.

All you have to do is answer the question below and take a postcard with the answer, and your name, address and telephone number to Burton in Eldon Square before Saturday, July 8. Alternatively, send it to Jennifer Bradbury, Suit Giveaway, Evening Chronicle, Groat Market, Newcastle E1 1ED.

QUESTION: Which football player from this year's World Cup has an exclusive range of suits available at Burton?

The first correct entry drawn at random will receive the prize as offered. Usual competition rules apply (available on request or visit www.icNewcastle.co.uk/legal) and the editor's decision is final.