Startups Awards 2007 - small business finalists announced

Last week, fifty-six small businesses received the recognition they deserve as they were announced finalists of the Startups Awards 2007. Now in their fourth year, the awards are organised by startups.co.uk in conjunction with NatWest and are endorsed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

This years finalists include Zipee bikes, the zero pollution electric bikes in the running for Green Business of the Year, Ladyzone, the ladies only gym started by an ex footballer who is a finalist for Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and the Community Impact of the Year finalist: Busymummy, who provide support to teenage mums and those who work with them.

Winners of each of the 16 categories will be announced at an awards ceremony and three-course luncheon to be held at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, London on Friday 31 October. They will all compete to be named The NatWest Startups Business of the Year and walk away with a £5000 cheque.

All shortlisted finalists have been trading for less than three years, are privately owned, and employ fewer than 60 people.

This year’s judging panel consists of some of the UK’s most prestigious and respected experts within the start-up and small business market. They include Martin Webb, entrepreneur and presenter of Channel 4’s Risking it All, Tim Campbell, winner of The Apprentice, 2005, Levi Roots, founder of Reggae Reggae Sauce (as featured on BBC’s Dragons’ Den), Sahar Hashemi, founder of Coffee Republic and many more.

The judges look at a wide range of criteria; in particular, business success either by increase in sales and unit volume, market research and identification of customer focus, organisational and team building effectiveness, strategic planning, overcoming obstacles and barriers to success, visionary leadership and social, environmental and community responsibility.

For more details, simply visit www.startupsawards.co.uk or telephone 020 8334 1680.