Britain’s budding entrepreneurs urged to apply to 2014 Enterprise Awards as deadline approaches
– Entry deadline for Lloyds Bank Enterprise Awards closes on 23 July 2014.
– Entrants will be considered in three categories at a regional and national level for Best Start-up, Best Enterprise and Best Digital (a new category for 2014).
– Awards include one-to-one mentoring, legal advice and cash investments of up to £50,000
Britain’s best student and graduate entrepreneurial talent only has one week left to apply to the Lloyds Bank 2014 Enterprise Awards as the deadline of 23 July 2014 marches closer.
The awards celebrate and recognise the top businesses of tomorrow and are open to entrepreneurs currently studying at universities across Britain or who have graduated within the past five years and have been trading for more than one year.
The competition is part of the Bank’s commitment to helping UK businesses prosper and supporting enterprise and start-ups.
Jen Tippin, managing director, retail business banking said: “There’s only a week to go until the deadline for entries closes so we want to reach out to as many of the UK’s entrepreneurs as possible. The previous winners have come on in leaps and bounds since last year, making the most of the publicity, cash investment and mentoring available. So I’d urge all the passionate entrepreneurs out there to apply now and take the next step in running a successful business.”
The initial heats will take place in September across the UK and the winners of each heat will go through to the grand final in Edgbaston on Wednesday October 15. An expert business panel – including Tim Campbell, former Apprentice winner and founder of the Bright Ideas Trust – will judge the finalists.
Tim Campbell said: “Starting a business on your own is never easy and the challenges are well documented. But the Enterprise Awards could provide that huge break you are looking for to get your business off the ground.
“Cash prizes aside, the mentoring and expertise that is available to winners is a huge asset for start-ups. A mentor is like a driving instructor who can help you become proficient at a skill while you are still driving the vehicle. They provide feedback and direction when required. I’d urge everyone to apply as part of the next step in building their empire.”
Last year’s winner for overall Best Start-up was ASAP Water Crafts – a company which is developing life-saving equipment for beach lifeguards. Last year’s winner for overall Best Enterprise was BBOXX, a company that provides people in Africa and Asia with solar-powered battery boxes. BBOXX and ASAP Water Crafts have used the Awards as a great launch pad to develop their products, find new business contacts and reach new customers.
Ross Kemp, founder of ASAP Water Crafts said: “The Lloyds Enterprise awards was the turning point that launched my business. It gave me the confidence to really go for it, with incredible mentoring support. I remember my boss saying if I win he thinks I should quit my job and go for it – I did just that.”
A new category for this year includes Best Digital which recognises those businesses that have demonstrated the value of digital to the business bottom line and the customer experience. This is part of Lloyds Banking Group’s commitment to improving digital skills in the UK and as a proud founder of Go ON UK – the digital skills charity.