Enterprising Stockton in running for UK award
Jul 26 2010 by Iain Laing, The Journal
STOCKTON is now in the running to become the country's most enterprising place after winning the North East heat of the Enterprising Britain competition.
One North East named Stockton the North East winner from a bid showcasing how partners in the area support and encourage enterprise through fostering enterprise skills, championing enterprise in the community and supporting start-up businesses.
Enterprise UK runs the competition on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) in partnership with the regional development agencies and devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Now in its sixth year, Enterprising Britain celebrates and rewards the most enterprising areas in the UK – those places of enterprise excellence that have helped transform the social and economic fortunes of their area.
One North East said a key strength of Stockton’s bid was its commitment to encouraging young people in schools and from all kinds of backgrounds to consider self-employment as a viable career option for the future.
Neil Schneider, chief executive of Stockton Borough Council, said: “While Stockton Council has always been committed to creating opportunities for our local residents to find work and self employment, the impact of the recession has strengthened our resolve to do even more.
“We are therefore delighted that our greater emphasis on enterprise and business development has been recognised in this award – it testament to the hard work of council staff and our partners who put enterprise at the heart of what we do.”
Bob Cook, Stockton Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: “Winning the North East heat of the prestigious Enterprising Britain competition is a fantastic achievement.
“Stockton is an enterprising place. We have a ‘can-do’ attitude and are working hard to make sure our residents lead enterprising lives, both at home and in their jobs – and to ‘grow our own’ entrepreneurial talent across our schools. Winning the regional heat puts Stockton firmly on the map and we look forward to the next stage of the competition – the national final.”
Tim Pain, ONE head of business, enterprise & skills, chaired the North East judging panel.
He said: “Its bid will prove a strong contender in the running for this accolade, bolstered by its clear dedication to enterprising opportunities for young people. I wish Stockton the very best of luck in the finals.”
Last year, Wansbeck was named the North East’s most enterprising place in the initial stage of the competition.
