Business: Search begins for champs of the east

British Business Champions is a national independent award scheme where the country is divided into 11 regions.

Bedfordshire and Luton sits in the eastern region, which had its official launch in Harpenden on February 28.

Photographer Hannah Couzens, 28, a winner of last year’s Herts Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) county title, spoke out to encourage her business colleagues to enter.

She said: “The amazing thing is what happens to your customers. My business was six months old and they could say they were working with an award-winning business.

“It made the difference between potential clients and people who become clients. Awards put the final cross in the box for you.”

She added that it also did wonders for morale among her five staff. “They were on cloud nine.”

Businesses of all sizes can enter up to three of 15 categories across three company size-based sectors. The overall winners will go to a national final in London in November.

Damian Cummins, the awards organiser added: “Research has shown 82 per cent of business decision makers are positively influenced by the term ‘award-winning’. It is also great PR and does wonders for staff morale.”

Leading business groups are sponsoring the awards including Premier Newspapers, publishers of the News/Gazette, Luton Airport, Resource Efficiency East and Women in Business.

The FSB is a headline sponsor for the eastern awards. Ian Cording, the FSB regional chairman for Beds, Herts and Cambs, said: “They will increase both business and visibility for those who take part.”

Closing date for entries is May 31

> www.britishbusinesschampions.co.uk