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Launch of 2012 Tees Valley News Business Awards

The time is right to launch a new businesses says Teesside business champion Colin Brown as he launches the 2012 Best New Business Awards Tees Valley.

This is the 13thyear Colin has organised the awards to inspire and reward enterprise across the Tees Valley.

Despite the current financial climate Colin believes the time is right to start a new business.

Colin said: “The Government is looking to the private sector, in particular small businesses, to help develop economic growth.

“This makes it a great time for new businesses to push themselves to help create new jobs and help the UK economy thrive.

“Across the Tees Valley, there’s some inspirational talent, great entrepreneurs with the ideas and drive to make their businesses a success. These awards are a wonderful showcase for these people to demonstrate their ambition and be honoured for their hard work.”

“The prize money is £500 per category winner and a further £1,000 for the overall winner – making £1,500 all together, a significant cash flow boost when they need it the most.”

Colin has seen many young firms honoured at the awards go onto become successful global companies. Previous winners have included Citrox, Qurios Entertainments, and Guardian Marine Testing.

Last year’s overall winner was Double Eleven Limited, a Middlesbrough based digital firm which develops hand held and mobile video games.

In just two years the company has grown from its origins in a small loft room to working with electronics and entertainment giant Sony and employing over 40 people.

This year the main sponsors for the awards are Colin Brown, of Lighthouse FA, Tees Valley Unlimited, Teesside University and PD Ports.

Category sponsors include Five Lamps Organisation – Community; Double Eleven – Creative industries; Northstar Ventures – Environmental; North East Chamber of Commerce – Manufacturing; Tilly Bailey & Irvine – Marketing; Stockton Borough Council – Retail; Middlesbrough Council – Service; Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council - Young Entrepreneur; Colin Brown of Lighthouse FA Ltd and Tees Valley Unlimited – overall winner.

Last year’s winners also included BCT Aspire, who won the Community Award; Innov8 Disposal Ltd, who took the Environmental Award; Turbo Connect, winners of the Manufacturing Award; Anson Corporate Media, who won the Marketing Award; Effigy Salon, winners of the Retail Award; School House Recruitment Ltd, who took the Service Award and Home Fuels Direct Ltd who won the Young Entrepreneur Award.

*Businesses set up within the past three years (after July 1, 09) are eligible to enter. Anyone who would like more details or an entry form should contact Colin on 01642 862177 or enter online at www.bestnewbusinessawards.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ian Benet .