entrepreneurs 27 Competition – calling all entrepreneurs


If your business is growing fast or you’re looking for somewhere to start a new venture – this is a chance of a lifetime to take the next step to success.


The entrepreneur competition is designed to recognise some of the most entrepreneurial businesses in the region. Participants are asked to submit a business plan for their company that will be judged by a panel of highly respected judges from a variety of different sectors.


The competition is open to businesses based in the Thames Valley that would benefit from new premises. Schools, colleges or universities with an entrepreneurial idea would also be eligible if they have an idea which would use the unit creatively for a year.


Companies have until December 21, 2012 to submit their business plan and can take advantage of support on offer from the Federation of Small Businesses and local business advisers.


A shortlist of six will be invited to present their business to our judges. The guest judges are Kevin Gaskell and Jeffrey Smith of Eacotts. Gaskell is a businessman, coach, leader, explorer and consultant to businesses large and small. Smith is a managing partner at accountancy firm Eacotts’ Slough branch.


Win a business unit FREE for a year The winners of the competition will be announced in March 2013. Prizes:


Gold – A unit free (with the exception of utility bills and certain insurances, i.e. public liability) for a year at 887 Plymouth Road, Slough Trading Estate, SL1 4LP


Silver – Membership to the Federation of Small Businesses


Bronze – Free advertising space within the Berkshire Media Group with a rate card value of £2,000


All three winners will receive public relations support from FTI Consulting to promote their win.


Guest judge Kevin Gaskell, commented: “This competition is an opportunity for companies to benefit in three ways; to pitch themselves against other growing businesses and see how they compare, to see and hear fresh ideas from the other competition entrants and from the judges, and for one company to win a valuable prize.


Nicola Webb of SEGRO commented: “We’re delighted to be working with the Federation of Small Businesses and the Chamber of Commerce


Young minds, wise words


The finals of the HW Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 competition are being held on November 1 in Reading so, by the time you read this, we will know who the talented Thames Valley regional winner is. He/she, as well as the four runners-up, will be revealed next issue. You will also be able to read about it on the HW website.


These candidates, along with a score of other shortlisted young entrepreneurs, were interviewed by partners from Haines Watts at their offices around the Thames Valley, before being selected for the finals.


Some of the values, ideas and goals put forward by the young candidates make inspiring reading for all of us, so here’s a summary of a few of them:


Age no barrier:


"Making hundreds of pounds at 13 gave me experience so I knew how to make more money at university whilst studying. Now I’ve finished I saw a gap in the market and haven’t looked back with my business ... seize the day."


Realistic optimism:


"We were not given much chance of success. We saw this as a positive – we can turn it to our advantage and are prepared to put in the hard work."


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – NOVEMBER 2012


ARE YOU AN ENTREPRENEUR?


Join the Thames Valley Entrepreneurs Club www.pitmans.com/entrepreneurs


www.businessmag.co.uk True riches:


"Not being in it purely for the money but wanting to make a difference to peoples’ lives – helping the sick, the disadvantaged in society ... it’s business but it also brings pleasure"


Raising the bar:


"We differentiate ourselves through giving extraordinary customer service. Keeping


promises and exceeding expectations is key to acquiring and retaining customers. Consistently communicate openly and honestly, be transparent with both customers and staff."


Think outside the box:


"The import and export markets are giving us great opportunities at good prices, so why limit ourselves to the UK?"


With a mind-set like this, the sky’s the limit.


For further information on the HW Young Entrepreneur of the Year competition: Details: www.hwye.co.uk


For further information about Haines Watts Details: www.hwca.com


From left: Nicola Webb (SEGRO), Rodney Mallinson (FSB), Richard Knight (FSB), Alan Rodgers (BMG) and Mike Grieshaber (Slough Chamber of Commerce) - photo courtesy Slough Observer


to deliver The Entrepreneur Competition, offering enterprising individuals and businesses a helpful hand on the way to success.”


Details: www.segro.com/Slough/entrepreneur/


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