FSB launches British Small Business Champions 2008

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) today launches British Small Business Champions 2008 (BSBC).

Entries are invited from thriving businesses that are well run and highly regarded by staff and customers. Businesses have to have been trading for at least five years at the time of entering and employ no more than fifty staff.

Across the UK, six Area Champions will be chosen and these six businesses will go forward to the national final. One business will be chosen as the National Champion and scoop the top prize of £10,000.

For British Small Business Champions 2008 there are two additional categories: Young Entrepreneur and Most Promising New Business, both sponsored by AIMS Accountants. These have been chosen as a way for the FSB to show support for the new generation of up-and-coming businesses. Entries in both will go straight to national judging.

BSBC 2008 is free to enter and entries are not exclusive to FSB members. As well as walking away with the award, category and area winners will each receive a cash prize. There is £1,000 each to the Area Champions, the Young Entrepreneur and the Most Promising New Business, with The National Champion scooping a cash award of £10,000. BSBC stipulate that the cash prizes are to be spent in a way that benefits their business.

To request an entry form and for more information about British Small Business Champions 2008 please contact Judith Francis on 020 7592 8120 or at judith.francis@fsb.org.uk. Please state which award you are applying for and give your business address.

What former winners say about British Small Business Champions

“Entering BSBC is a good exercise for you and your business. It makes you focus on what is good about your business…and helps you identify any weaknesses. I hate forms. Running a small business we have so many. The BSBC one was pretty straightforward.”

Graham Barnard, The Happy Hutch Company, BSBC National Champion and Northern Area Champion 2007.

“The process of entering BSBC was a fantastic challenge because it makes you examine your business and ultimately improve the way you work. Winning was fabulous, not only for us but for our staff, who are thrilled to be part of an award-winning company.”

Rachael Webb, Playforce, BSBC Southern Area Champion 2007.

“Since winning my company has a leading edge over competitors, which in turn has made us more popular with customers, as we have been recognised for customer service and for the many who buy at a distance, have been verified as a properly established company. Our competitors can compete on price and lead-time. But they cannot compete with our BSBC award!”

Sarah Green, 1st For Furniture, BSBC Central Area Champion 2007.