The HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards 2005 aims to promote and encourage fledgling entrepreneurs and is open to all businesses less than three years old which can prove they have the ‘X’ factor to take their market by storm.
Ten finalists will share cash and prizes worth £65,000 including £20,000 for the winner and £5,000 for the runner up. Each finalist will also win consultancy services and software worth £4,000 from Croner Consulting and Intuit.
Simon Wainwright, Head of Small Business for HSBC Bank, said: “We’re calling on entrepreneurs to share their success story with us. You don’t have to be running the biggest or fastest growing firm but it should be the kind of business that others can look to for inspiration.
“Through helping over 100,000 new businesses get started last year we know there are some fantastic business ideas out there. By highlighting individual achievements we hope we will not only help businesses go from strength to strength, but also help HSBC inspire would-be entrepreneurs to turn their business dreams into reality.
“For many companies the prizes on offer are not the only rewards. Previous finalists tell us that the recognition they receive through success in Start-Up Stars not only generates valuable local publicity, but also boosts staff confidence and enhances the business's credibility with customers and suppliers.”
Commenting on this year’s Awards, Nigel Griffiths, Minister for Small Business, said: “Entrepreneurs are our wealth creators, the women and men who make our nation more successful and more prosperous. They are the heroes of our economy. Our future economic wellbeing depends on creating a nation where enterprise is truly open to all, a nation of aspiration and ambition united in encouraging and celebrating innovation and enterprise. For this reason I am delighted to help launch the fifth annual HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards.”
This year’s judging panel will again be looking for companies who can demonstrate they have the ideas, skills and determination to succeed - whilst recognising that many new businesses will not necessarily be profitable in their early stages of development.
The closing date for entries is Friday, April 29. Entry forms for the awards are available from HSBC branches, online at www.ukbusiness.hsbc.com and will appear in the Daily Express. Businesses can also contact the awards organisers office, telephone 0870 902 3333.
Apr 7, 2005
Email this article
Printer friendly page
Previous Page
