Take your chance to become a champion

Dec 11 2007 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

SMALL businesses are being asked to enter a national competition.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is inviting entries for its British Small Business Champions (BSBC) Awards 2008, from thriving, well-run small businesses, that are highly regarded by customers and staff.

Six area champions will be chosen across the UK. One from each of the six BSBC areas – Southern, Central, Northern, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland – will then go forward for national judging with one of them being chosen the BSBC national champion.

To qualify, businesses must have been established for at least five years and must not employ more than 50 people. Sole traders also qualify.

BSBC 2008 has two additional categories; Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Most Promising New Business, both sponsored by AIMS Accountants.

These have been chosen by the FSB to show its support and encouragement to the up and coming small businesses. Young Entrepreneurs must be 21 years of age or under at the time of entering.

Most Promising New Business is for businesses that were started after November 1, 2006. Entries for these two categories will go straight to national judging.

Cash prizes are also available for winners of between £10,110 and £1,000.

The area winners will be announced at the awards evening for their BSBC area. Then, as national finalists, they will go to London for the national awards evening which will be held at Claridges.

BSBC is the only awards scheme solely for small businesses.

For full details about BSBC 2008 visit fsb.org.uk/bsbc, where an entry form can be downloaded, or contact Judith Francis on 0207 592-8120 email judith.francis@fsb.org.uk.

The closing date for entries is Friday, March 28, 2008.