Do you know a business hero?

Apr 16 2008 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

THE search is on for people from across the region who have battled against adversity to become inspirational business heroes.

The Barclays Trading Places Awards, which will be launched this week, will highlight practical examples of people who have taken control of their lives by deciding to go it alone.

The awards, which are backed by the Government and the Prince’s Trust, are open to everyone who has been trading for a minimum of three months and a maximum of three years, with an annual turnover of less than £1m.

Organisers are keen to hear from anyone who has transformed their life by overcoming a failed relationship, turning their back on benefits, or by overcoming a physical disability to launch a business.

Previous winners include a single mum who overcame physical abuse to set up a successful beauty business and a former policeman who lost an arm and his career but went on to establish a driving school for the disabled.

John Hutton, Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, said: “I am delighted to once again have the opportunity to support the Barclays Trading Places Awards.

“The Government recognises the need to unlock enterprising talent among people of all sections of society and its role in encouraging people to have the ambition to start and grow their own businesses.”

David Slane, Barclays regional director for local business in the North East, added: “This is a celebration of the North East’s unsung heroes who, in spite of great personal challenges, have taken steps to establish a sustainable business and in doing so changed the direction of their lives for the benefit of themselves and their families.”

Entries for the Barclays Trading Places Awards, now in its fourth year, must be in by May 30 and nomination leaflets are available by calling 0800 085 3203 or visiting www.barclays.co.uk/tradingplaces

Judges will select 10 national finalists who will attend an awards dinner in London at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, on October 7, where they will each be awarded £1,100 worth of desktop software by Microsoft. The winner will receive a further £2,200 worth of Microsoft server software.