THE Hertfordshire Mercury recently announced the eight local businesses – including a baby shower company (that’s us!), a business that deals in bespoke woodwork and a firm specialising in energy at work – that have made the shortlist in the Local Business Accelerators competition.
The nationwide campaign, which was launched in October by regional and local newspapers across the country and backed by Prime Minister David Cameron and Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden, will see 1,500 firms receive £15m of free advertising to help boost their businesses in 2012
The four judges were Tim Hutchings, chief executive of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry; David Suckling of chartered accountants David Suckling and Co; Cariad Marketing boss Justine Perry; and Mercury editor Gary Matthews.
“The judges were impressed by the quality and quantity of the entrants from the Mercury area, reporting that they were of an extremely high standard, with enthusiastic local firms recognising the benefits that local advertising can bring.”
We are very excited and proud to have made the LBA shortlist and are due to give a presentation to the judges today! Three winners will be selected. As well as receiving top professional advice from the local business mentors, the prize also includes a substantial allocation of free advertising space in the pages of the Mercury.
In addition, Deborah Meaden will also become a mentor to one overall business, picked from the hundreds of regional winners, providing invaluable business support throughout 2012 to drive their business forward.
Mercury editor Gary Matthews said: “We are looking forward to meeting the driving forces behind these excellent local firms on Monday. I’m sure we’ll have our work cut out choosing the top three.”
The three lucky winners will be reported in the Mercury on January 12.
Wish Ally Atkins the best of luck!!
