THE biggest technology industry group in the North East has backed The Journal’s campaign to help dynamic young businesses to grow.
Codeworks, which represents cutting-edge hi-technology firms across the region, has thrown its weight behind the Local Business Accelerators initiative, which will see small businesses with big potential given the chance to win top-level mentoring and free newspaper advertising.
The Journal has joined with newspapers across the UK to boost the economy and, together, they have pledged a total of £15m of free advertising to dynamic businesses.
The initiative – backed by Dragons’ Den judge Deborah Meaden and Prime Minister David Cameron – is spearheaded by the voice of local media, The Newspaper Society.
Now Codeworks, which has an impressive rollcall of members in one of the UK’s highest growth sectors, has championed the campaign and urged firms behind some of the country’s most innovative businesses to enter.
Codeworks’ chief executive officer Herb Kim said: “The Local Business Accelerators initiative looks superb. The North East is a hot bed of digital innovation and start-up companies and this initiative can only add to our momentum.
“This project is undoubtedly something that will help digital start-ups in those fragile early days of selling and marketing your product. The Local Business Accelerators’ Initiative is definitely a step in the right direction and the Journal should be applauded for the work it is doing to support new business. We expect a number of digital and creative industry companies to be among the participants.”
The campaign has been backed by the North East Chamber of Commerce whose chief executive James Ramsbotham said: “The North East has a proud history of nurturing business and industrial pioneers, from the likes of Joseph Swan and George Stephenson to modern-day pioneers like Jonathan Ive, who studied at Northumbria University.
“Taking that seed of inspiration and developing it into a thriving business is one of the hardest, but most satisfying things anyone can do, and anything that can help turn that business into a success is welcomed.”
Nearly 500 regional and local publications – including The Journal – have joined up to launch the campaign to promote the strength and value of newspapers for local businesses and communities. The Journal has asked experienced North East businessmen Alan Hall, Geoff Hodgson and Alan Holmes, and Journal business editor Iain Laing, to form the judging panel, which will shortlist entries before awarding three firms with the prize.
They will also look for one overall star business to put forward to be in with a chance to gain Deborah Meaden as a mentor during 2012.
If you run a business that could be one of the North East’s winning firms, or know anyone who does, visit the website at www.accelerateme.co.uk. Entries close on November 14, 2011.