Hunt starts for brilliant Bedfordshire businesses

Firms that have rejected recession and thumbed their noses at economic downturn are wanted as entrants in a Bedfordshire awards scheme launched yesterday (Monday).

A host of county companies and organisations have thrown their weight behind the Bedfordshire Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) awards, including headline sponsor Barclays Bank, The Mansion House, My Incubator, Park Woodfine Heald Mellows solicitors and Mercedes Benz of Bedford.

Simon Wright, area business manager for Barclays in Luton and Bedford, said he was keen to be fully involved in the community and in supporting the start-up businesses, which will help the local and UK economy. He added: “I am hoping to see some unique ideas from companies using the new technologies and those with the best ideas for supporting their local communities.”

Head judge Charlie Smith, of the Bedfordshire FSB, told the award scheme launch, that the awards are a showcase for the small business community in Beds. He said: “I am looking forward to stories of companies growing despite the general economy and of people who have overcome personal difficulties.”

Premier Newspapers, publishers of a range of newspapers in the county and this website, are the media sponsors, Prizes include a £5,000 package of free advertising for the winner.

There are 13 categories to enter plus one for the overall business of the year. They include employee of the year, real life entrepreneur, innovation and service excellence.

Entries will close on April 25, there will be a judging day on May 2 and the awards ceremony will be held at The Conservatory at the Luton Hoo Walled Garden, on Thursday, June 6.

For more details, visit www.fsb.org.uk/beds-awards