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Judgement day for enterprising town

A North East town has made its bid to be named the most enterprising place in England. National judges from the Enterprising Britain competition visited Bishop Auckland last Friday to decide whether it should become 2007’s champion for using enterprising and innovative ideas to transform the area.

Bishop Auckland’s Town Centre Forum Marketing and Promotions Sub Group has already won the regional stage of the competition – run by regional development agency One NorthEast – for putting in place a series of events to promote the town as a great place to live, work and visit, and encourage local people to take pride in the area.

Sue Snowdon, Chairman of the sub-group, said: “It has been a hectic few weeks preparing for the visit but we think we have just about everything prepared. The group have been overwhelmed by the support from the local community. We would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to One North East for all the help they have provided. We think we have a very good chance.”

Ian Williams, Director of Business and Industry for One NorthEast, said: “We are very impressed with the work of the sub-group, and I am sure the national judges will agree. The programme they have put in place has stimulated local pride, community spirit and an entrepreneurial culture in a deprived area of Wear Valley, and I wish them the very best as they fly the flag for the North East in the national competition.”

The sub-group’s prize included a £35,000 grant from One NorthEast to continue its work, and plans for the money are currently being prepared. The results of the national competition will be announced in September.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .