Member Article

Briggs Automotive named ‘Face of the Festival’

Liverpool-based Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) has this week been named the winner in the Business is GREAT campaign’s GREAT Face of the Festival competition, in association with BT.

The competition, which sought to find the most innovative and exciting small- and medium-sized businesses in the North West, ties into the International Festival for Business, which runs until the end of July.

BAC is the manufacturer of Mono, the world’s first road-legal single-seat supercar. Brothers Ian and Neill Briggs wanted to create a new, niche supercar with an ultra-lightweight design philosophy.

BAC now exports to over 11 countries across four continents, with dealer agreements throughout the world. Up to 60 jobs are expected to be created at BAC over the next five years and over 100 in the supply chain.

By entering the competition, businesses were in with the chance of winning an exclusive prize package worth over £30,000.

This included their business being advertised on the Liverpool Lime Street digital wall and featured in the Liverpool Echo, along with free broadband for a year courtesy of BT Business. In addition, the winner will also be receiving a package of support from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).

The car itself has won numerous awards, including being named Top Gear’s The Stig’s Car of the Year, and now the company has been named one of the most innovative and inspiring small businesses in the North West.

Neill Briggs, BAC’s managing director said: “We’re delighted to have won the GREAT Face of the Festival and to receive the fantastic prize. We’ve already done the advertising shoot and can’t wait to see it up on the big Liverpool screen.

“We’ve also enjoyed the International Festival for Business and have made new contacts with companies and individuals from around the world. The government support we have received has meant that we have been able to move forward with our growth and exporting plans. We’re proud to be a Liverpool-based company flying the flag for UK business globally.”

Skills and Enterprise Minster, Matthew Hancock said: “I want to highlight the enormous contribution that small and medium-sized businesses make to the local and national economy.

“Small business is the foundation upon which our growing economy is built and we should be proud to display the great examples of innovation and growth that are happening throughout the country.”

Danny Longbottom, Managing Director UK SME, BT Business, said: “As a judge, I was impressed by the calibre of entries in particular the potential and passion of the small and medium-sized businesses that are leading the way in the North West.

“We are excited to be supporting the Business is GREAT campaign as it celebrates all the fantastic entrepreneurial talent out there. I enjoyed meeting the Briggs brothers at the Liverpool Echo Business Awards and hope that the marketing and communications package from Business is GREAT and BT will give them the opportunity to take their business to the next level.”

The Business is GREAT Britain campaign aims to celebrate and inspire small businesses and is run by BIS and UKTI. It provides relevant advice and information for small- and medium-sized enterprises looking to grow, hire, export, lead and access finance.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .