Member Article

New businesses urged to enter awards

New businesses in the Tees Valley have just two weeks left to get their entries in for this year’s ‘Best New Business Awards’.

The awards are designed to reward and inspire enterprise and any business set up within the past three years is eligible to enter.

Last year’s winners, Middlesbrough based video game developer, Double Eleven, picked up £1,500 in prize money and has since gone on to enjoy international success.

Organiser of the awards, Colin Brown, said: “Anyone hesitating or wondering if it is worthwhile should just take a look at last year’s winners, Double Eleven.

“The judges have a history of recognising those fledgling businesses that can go on to achieve big things and last year was no exception.

“The awards act as an endorsement for young businesses and a win like this can only help companies but they need to be quick, the closing date for entries is Friday, October 5.”

There are eight categories covering retail, marketing, manufacturing, creative industry, community, service, environment and young entrepreneur with the winner of each receiving £500 and the overall winner receiving a further £1,000.

Double Eleven, based at DigitalCity Businesses’ HQ Boho One in Middlesbrough, was founded by Lee Hutchinson and Matt Shepcar in 2010.

Lee, CEO of Double Eleven, said: “Since winning the Tees Valley Best New Business Awards Double Eleven has gone from strength-to-strength.

“Getting early recognition and distinction from your competitors is a real boost and gives young companies the always needed advantage.

“We’ve grown from traditionally humble beginnings to a 44 person company that’s just released its first game, LittleBigPlanet, for Sony’s PlayStation Vita platform with our sights set even higher!

“I’d encourage any new business that wants to stand out from the crowd to enter”

This year the main sponsors for the awards are Colin Brown, of Lighthouse FA, Tees Valley Unlimited, Teesside University and PD Ports.

New business champion Colin said: “The process of entering isn’t arduous like for some awards, in fact it couldn’t be simpler and can be done online.

“We should be very proud of just how many new and inspirational businesses are coming to the fore and it’s important we recognise and honour those companies.”

Category sponsors include Five Lamps Organisation – Community; Double Eleven – Creative Industries; Northstar Ventures – Environmental; North East Chamber of Commerce – Manufacturing; Tilly Bailey & Irvine – Marketing; Stockton Borough Council – Retail; Middlesbrough Council – Service; Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council - Young Entrepreneur; Colin Brown of Lighthouse FA Ltd and Tees Valley Unlimited – overall winner.

*Anyone who would like more details should contact Colin on 01642 862177 or enter online at www.bestnewbusinessawards.com

The awards ceremony will be held in February next year.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ian Benet .