THE search for Scotland’s top start-up business of 2017 has been extended until February after a large influx of entries.

Virgin Startup10: Scotland is open to start-up businesses and entrepreneurs until February 5, offering prizes including mentoring and support from a leading Scottish law firm.

The top 10 finalists will be shortlisted in February, with the overall winner revealed at an awards ceremony in March.

Business Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “Scotland has a proud tradition of entrepreneurship, and today we have the highest number of registered businesses recorded in Scotland since records began – an impressive achievement which is largely driven by the success of our small business start-ups.

“This is a trend that we would like to see continue and I am delighted that Virgin Startup continue to contribute so positively to entrepreneurship in Scotland.

Judges include Leah Hutcheon, CEO of Appointedd, and Jackie Waring, CEO of Investing Women.