The search is on for district's Biz Idol

Sep 15 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

PEOPLE with ideas for an enterprise are being encouraged to enter a competition that brings together elements of reality television shows with the chance to win a complete business start-up package.

The Biz Idol competition, organised by South Tyneside Mean Business, will whittle down entrants who submit an application form to a shortlist of 10.

Those finalists will have the opportunity to sell their idea in a short Dragons’ Den-style pitch and five will progress to the next round before the overall winner is selected in November.

They will have to impress a panel made up of South Tyneside business bosses including Geoff Ford MBE from Ford Aerospace, Derek Metcalfe of Horizonworks Consulting, Andrea Freeman of J Barbour & Sons and Ben Cottam of Cottam Brush.

Last year’s Biz Idol winner Jim Taylor, whose came up with an idea to protect and prevent windows from breakages, will also be one this year’s panelists.

It is Ben Cottam’s second year on the panel and he said he is expecting a real mixture of entrants again this year.

“As judges, we’re pretty easy on people – it’s not Dragons’ Den for the cameras here,” he said. “Part of the process is trying to support as many people as possible – not just the person who wins at the end.”

The prize includes £2,000 from South Tyneside Council, virtual office space and business support from TEDCO, legal advice from Dickinson Dees, design and print of company logo, letterhead and business card from Harlow Print; and a 12-month subscription to South Tyneside Business Network.

Coun Michael Clare, South Tyneside Council’s lead member for jobs, enterprise and regeneration, said: “Last year’s Biz Idol was a huge success, we were inundated with entries. I’m delighted we are able to run it again this year and would encourage anyone who thinks their big idea could be a business winner to apply.

“Thanks to our generous sponsors the winner’s prize is exceptional and of course we’ll make sure the winner and all of our applicants continue to receive business advice and support whenever they need it.”

The competition is only open to people living in South Tyneside. To apply for the competition, telephone Angela Horend (0191) 424-6256 or Lorraine Schapira on (0191) 281-4887.