IS YOUR BUSINESS BOOMING? WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT!

The British Chambers of Commerce and BT search for this year’s Most Promising New Business.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and BT are encouraging the UK’s flourishing new businesses to enter this year’s Chamber Awards. Now in its fourth year, the Chamber Awards 2007 aims to recognise outstanding business achievement within the UK business community.

Open to companies that have been operating for three years of less, the Most Promising New Business Award, sponsored by BT, will reward those new companies already demonstrating business excellence.

Peter Mileham, President of the BCC commented: “Starting a new business is always tough and some don’t make it past their second year of trading. Any company that has true longevity and promise is something to be treasured and we should recognise those who have created them.”

Mick Hegarty, Marketing Director, BT Business added: "The small business sector is the real economic powerhouse of UK PLC. While priorities for small businesses may vary over time, by company and by marketplace, the main issues facing SMEs do not change. That's why this particular Award is so interesting, it is specifically designed to recognise the efforts involved in starting a business. We are delighted to be supporting the 'Most Promising New Business' category again this year - we want to help small businesses grow and prosper, whether they are just starting out or have been in business for a while."

There are eight different categories of Awards and companies can enter as many as they wish. The categories comprise;

The top prize of £25,000 will be awarded to the company that the judges agree should win the overall Award for Outstanding Business Achievement and will be announced along with the national winners at the Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony on 29th November 2007 at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Last year this was won by AESSEAL PLC - a seal manufacturing company. It won the award for its exemplary standards in product design and innovation, business ambition, and its impressive financial performance. Judges felt that the company was a much needed role model to other businesses in the manufacturing sector.

Peter Mileham, President of the BCC commented “Judging these Awards makes me very proud of British business. Each year I am struck by the creative and innovative approaches that directors are using to set their businesses apart from their competitors. I’m delighted that we are in position to reward the UK’s most deserving business so handsomely for its efforts.”

The Chamber Awards will be judged in two stages at both a regional and national level and will be celebrated at a Gala Dinner at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London on the 29th November 2007.

Entry forms and judging criteria can be obtained by visiting www.chamberawards.co.uk. All entry forms must be completed and submitted electronically. The closing date for all entries is 25th June 2007 June 2007. Any entries submitted by 31st May 2007 will be entered into a prize draw to win £150 worth of Marks and Spencer vouchers

The Awards are open to all businesses.

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For further information, case studies or requests for interviews please contact:

Judy Osborn at Purple Rabbit (on behalf of the BCC)

Tel: 07834 60 20 30
Email: judy.osborn@purplerabbit.co.uk
Or
Stuart Handley at Purple Rabbit (on behalf of the BCC)
Tel: 07738 93 34 44
Email: stuart.handley@purplerabbit.co.uk

Notes to the editors:

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is the authentic voice of British businesses. The BCC sits at the heart of a powerful nationwide network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce serving business across the UK, which employ over five million people.

About BT
BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications solutions and services operating in more than 160 Countries. Its principal activities include networked IT services, local, national and international telecommunications services, and higher-value broadband and internet products and services. BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.   In the year ended 31 March 2005, BT Group's revenue was £18,623 million with profit before taxation of £2,354 million.