Are you Britain's small business champion?
Mar 10 2004
The search is on to find the most successful small businesses across the UK, with a business trip to New York the prize for the overall winner.
The British Small Business Champion awards, organised by Lloyds TSB, the Federation of Small Business (FSB), The Trinity Mirror Group and Business in the Community, is open to small enterprises that have been operating for at least five years, which employ fewer than 50 people and which offer excellent customer service.
Six regional winners will be chosen from firms based in the North, the Midlands, and the South of England, as well as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The regional finalists will compete for the title of overall winner, which will be awarded in London in November this year.
“Small firms play a vital, but often unrecognised, role in the UK economy, providing employment to millions, as well as being a ‘hothouse’ for innovative ideas. These awards provide much needed recognition for the brightest stars in small business, highlighting the valuable contribution that entrepreneurs make, as well as raising the profile of all small businesses,” says Stephen Pegge, head of external communications at Lloyds TSB.
The awards, now in their third year, will also include a special Merit Award, given to one small firm deemed to play a significant role in the local community.
Past overall winners have come from sectors such as newspaper archiving services and last year’s winner was a building company.
“This sends out a clear message that SMEs want, and value, genuine recognition of their achievements and the invaluable contribution they make to their customers, employees and communities across the UK,” adds John Emmins, national chair of the FSB.
For further information and for an entry form, call 01296 426813, fax 01296 423851 or write to BSBC, 80 Friarscroft Way, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 2TF, or email businessawards@fsb.org.uk. You can also apply online at www.fsb.org.uk/general/bsbc
The closing date for applications is 14 May 2004.
(10/03/04)