Dragons’ Den winner Levi Roots has launched a new competition offering cash prizes for the UK’s most dynamic family-run businesses.

The Reggae Reggae Sauce creator has agreed to head up the judging panel for Barclays’ Family Affair Awards.

There are approximately 3 million family-run firms operating in the UK, and Barclays Local Business wants to reward and celebrate their contribution to the nation’s economy.

Winning businesses across nine regions will each receive a £1,500 cash prize, with the overall champion scooping £5,500 in cash plus a year’s unlimited access to a Barclays Business Angel.

The competition is open to entries from any member (aged 18 and above) of a UK-based family-run business.

Potential contestants are asked to answer a few simple questions about their business, such as how it was started, how the family has worked to make it a success, and what are their future ambitions.

A judging panel will then reward the family firms that display the most significant degree of enterprise, success, and dynamism.

Urging families to enter the competition before the 31 March closing date, Levi Roots said:

“I’m looking to find the UK’s most exciting and enterprising family-run businesses in order to help them along the way. With the help of Barclays Local Business, we are going to inject a bit more spice into the prospects of these fantastic enterprises in 2009.”

For more information about the Family Affair Awards, visit the Barclays Local Business website