A BEDFORDSHIRE-wide search has begun for the best recession-busting small and medium sized businesses.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and an array of sponsors from across the county launched the awards at Luton’s Basepoint in Butterfield, Great Marlings, on Monday.
Encouraging companies to enter, Charlie Smith, chairman of the regional FSB, said: “I am proud of my county and proud of people who run businesses in Bedfordshire.”
And organiser Damian Cummins, chairman of Luton and South Beds FSB, said: “It is important to highlight the role of small businesses. Ninety-five per cent of businesses are small and medium sized enterprises.”
Companies employing up to 200 people can enter up to three of the 15 categories in the awards before the April 27 closing date. The awards ceremony will be held at The Mansion House, in Shuttleworth, on June 13.
“Entering the awards is the cheapest way of marketing your business,” said Mr Cummins. “There is PR in becoming a finalist.”
He encouraged the sponsors, including headline sponsor Mercedes-Benz of Bedford and media partner Premier Newspapers to do their bit to encourage entrants.
David Glover, of headline sponsor Mercedes-Benz of Bedford, in Ampthill Road, said he was proud to be headline sponsor of the awards.
The awards are:
> Best New Business, sponsored by My Incubator in Luton and Bedford.
> Employee of the Year, sponsored by White Hart Press
> Enterprising Business, sponsored by Luton Borough Council
> Business Person of the Year, sponsored by HilliersHRT Solicitors
> Young Business Person, sponsored by TaxAssist Accountants
> Real Life Entrepreneur, sponsored by FSB
> Training and Development, sponsored by Bullet Point Media
> Franchisee of the Year, sponsored by Luton Signs
> Networking Group of the Year, sponsored by Specsavers of Dunstable
> Business Innovation, sponsored by Knowledge Hub
> Green Business, sponsored by Basepoint
> Service Excellence, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Bedford
> Best E Business
> Business Woman of the Year, sponsored by Bedford Businesswomen
> Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Bushwood.
To enter, visit www.fsb.org.uk/bedsawards