Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards now open for entries

Do you run an exceptional and innovative firm?

Then you’ll be pleased to hear that Lloyds TSB’s Enterprise Awards are now accepting entries.

The awards offer a £50,000 to the overall Best Enterprise, and cash prizes of up to £5,000 in the regional heats. There are also mentoring packages at both regional and national levels, and opportunities to network and promote your business.

You can enter the awards if:

• You founded, or co-founded, your own business
• You are either currently a university student, or you have graduated in the past five years
• You are 18 years of age or over
• Your business is based in England, Scotland or Wales
• Your business has been trading for more than one year

The awards run via regional heats from which entrants are put forward into a Grand Final where they will present to a panel of judges.

The goal is to recognise outstanding British entrepreneur-led firms.

Last year’s winners included revolutionary electric motor firm Yasa Motors and open-plan office divider manufacturer KwickScreen.

Lloyds TSB says: “The Enterprise Awards demonstrate our commitment to SMEs by encouraging entrepreneurship through education, thus supporting the growth of the UK economy. It seeks to recognise the budding enterprises started by students and graduates from universities.”

The goals are:

“To encourage Enterprise: to encourage start ups and new enterprises across the UK, demonstrating our genuine commitment and support for SMEs.

“Demonstrate our commitment to SMEs: emphasising our commitment to putting SMEs at the heart of our agenda, providing opportunities to help businesses to grow and be successful e.g. PR and networking opportunities for shortlisted businesses.

“Be the SME Expert: positioning Lloyds Banking Group as being the best for business, in terms of expertise, advice, guidance and support and provide real reasons to believe e.g. through providing mentoring.

“Support local communities: commitment to local communities and entrepreneurs within these by hosting events attended the Commercial network and external influencers.”

To enter go to Lloydstsbenterpriseawards.com