Member Article

Regional business competition launched for young entrepreneurs

The search is underway for the next entrepreneur to win an annual regional business competition run by one of the largest, independent accountancy firms in the UK.

Rapidly-expanding Baldwins Accountants has launched the 2016 Baldwins Accountants’ KickStart Young Entrepreneurs Awards to find aspiring young people aged between 18 and 25 who have the germ of a fascinating business idea.

For the fourth successive year, the winner will be presented with a grant for £10,000 along with £10,000 of valuable mentoring and accountancy advice from the experienced accountants who now have 16 offices across the UK.

Two runners-up will receive £5,000 of mentoring and accountancy advice at a glittering gala dinner which has this year switched venues to the home of Warwickshire Cricket Club, Edgbaston, on Thursday, November 10.

This year’s entries will be aiming to repeat the success of 2015 KickStart winners Anne Kenyon and Ian Kenyon from Leicester whose technology start-up business Kenlock was focused on revolutionising lighting in the home.

David Baldwin, partner at Baldwins Accountants, said KickStart was among the highlights of the year for the company as they heard inspiring ideas from young entrepreneurs at the annual awards ceremony.

“We started KickStart in 2013 and the range and quality of applications we receive from budding businessmen and women improves each year,” he said.

“The previous winners and runners-up are still in touch with their mentors at Baldwins Accountants because we take a genuine interest in each of their businesses and we have provided advice on a wide range of subjects as well as making introductions to our clients where we feel they can help each other.

“Once again, we are looking for a young entrepreneur who has an innovative idea for a product or service which we feel can make a difference in a competitive business world.

“Last year’s winners, Kenlock, are a perfect example since Anne and Ian have developed cutting-edge lighting products for the home and their presentation was extremely interesting.

“KickStart was established to provide financial support as well as mentoring and business support to the winners to help them turn their idea into reality and run their own business and this year is no different.

“We look forward to receiving business plans from entrepreneurs aged 18-25 and deciding the next KickStart winner.”

Applications are now open and forms can be downloaded from www.baldwinskickstart.co.uk The closing date for applications is Sunday, July 31.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .