A CAMPAIGN led by The Journal, the Evening Gazette and newspapers across the UK to boost the economy has seen 1,000 entries from dynamic young businesses.
The Local Business Accelerators initiative, backed by Dragons’ Den judge Deborah Meaden, is spearheaded by the voice of local media, the Newspaper Society.
It has seen around 1,000 entries, including many from the North East, from firms vying to win mentoring from leading business people, a total of £15m of free newspaper advertising and the chance to get a year’s free mentoring from successful entrepreneur and Deborah Meaden.
And Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt has given his backing to the campaign – with 18 days still to go until the deadline for entries.
Hunt said of the scheme: “This is a fantastic initiative by the Newspaper Society, which will make a real difference to new companies up and down the country.
“It will help hundreds of small businesses establish themselves, helping to grow our economy and create jobs. This really shows the valuable role that local newspapers play.”
With nearly 500 local papers taking part, the campaign aims to highlight the power of local forces to promote the strength and value of local newspapers for local businesses and communities while delivering a shot in the arm for fledgling British businesses.
Feedback from businesses has been positive with one applicant saying: “What you are doing is fantastic. It’s innovative, and it will give start-ups and small businesses a massive boost. We really need schemes like this in the UK to help us grow and get recognition.”
We are looking for North East companies, between one and three years old, which have the makings of a big success. They may have a great idea or product or have found a new market. They are the type of business that will create jobs and the kind of success that will make the region proud.
Experienced businessmen Alan Hall, Geoff Hodgson and Alan Holmes, and Journal business editor Iain Laing will form the judging panel and will review and shortlist entries to The Journal before awarding three firms with the prize of free advertising and business advice.
Under the Gazette’s Local Business Accelerators scheme, successful businesses on Teesside will be rewarded with top professional advice from local business mentors plus a substantial allocation of free advertising space.
Our mentors are Chris Petty - founder of Stockton-based Cornerstone Business Solutions, Dean of Teesside University business school Alastair Thomson and Mike Matthews, the managing director of Stockton manufacturer Nifco UK.
The campaign has won backing from business groups across the region, including the North East Chamber of Commerce.
Businesses can apply for a place on the scheme on the www.accelerateme.co.uk website until the 14 November deadline. Individual newspapers taking part in the initiative will then select their shortlist from all the entries their title has received.
