Sponsor ‘keen’ to find firms aiming at stars

One of the major long-term supporters of the event is Charles Little, pictured, of accountancy and business advice firm Keens Shay Keens (KSK) who believes the most successful companies are those who devote time to thinking about strategy.

KSK was established in Bedfordshire in 1895 and has offices in Upper George Street, Luton, St Cuthberts Street, Bedford and Shortmead Street, Biggleswade.

Mr Little, director of the Bedford office, said: “The winning business will be looking forward with a vision. The business will have others buying into it and believe in it.

“Staff will be motivated and feel good knowing what they are doing is adding up to what the company’s vision is.”

Mr Little said KSK, which was established in 1895, was itself taking steps to ensure its own long-term future by bringing in younger people.

“I’m 58 and other people are in their late 50s,” said Mr Little, “so we are thinking ahead and getting a team of younger people ready to take the firm forward.”

The awards, organised by Premier Newspapers, have 10 categories, including Company of the Year, to be judged by an independent panel.

The search for excellence will culminate in a glittering awards night at the Park Inn, Bedford, in November. Event sponsors and winners receive publicity in Premier’s stable of newspapers and websites.

> To enter the awards or for more details, visit the website www2.lutontoday.co.uk/risingstars2011/

> To find out sponsor deals, contact Premier Newspapers’ group events and exhibitions manager Rebecca McCreath, on 01908 651263 email at [email protected].