Enterprising Britain 2008

Cumbrian organisation Furness Enterprise has been named the most enterprising area in England’s Northwest, winning the regional round of Enterprising Britain 2008.

Furness Enterprise wowed the judges with their desire to drive the development of Furness towards a stronger and more balanced economic structure, its positive contribution to the local community and opportunities for the future. The Judges also commented on the project’s successful focus on encouraging enterprise amongst young people that has resulted in more graduates and young entrepreneurs staying in, and returning to, the area.

Winning the regional heat will mean that Furness Enterprise becomes eligible for a grant of up to £50,000 from the NWDA to further develop its enterprise activity.

As the Northwest winner the organisation will represent the region at the national final in October 2008, providing a further opportunity to lead the UK in a European final at the European Enterprise Awards in May 2009.

The Northwest winner for 2007 was PEER (People encouraging enterprise in Rossendale)

Enterprising Britain is a nationwide competition to find the most enterprising place in the UK - the town, city, place, or area in the country that is best improving economic prospects and encouraging enterprise. The competition helps to strengthen the enterprise culture in the UK by raising the profile of enterprise at a local, national and international level.

Run by ‘Make your Mark’ on behalf of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and in partnership with the regional development agencies, the competition aims to:

• Identify and recognise successful activities and initiatives undertaken to promote enterprise and entrepreneurship
• Showcase and share examples of best practice in enterprise and entrepreneurship policy and implementation
• Create a higher awareness of the importance of enterprise and entrepreneurship in society
• Encourage and inspire enterprising behaviour and potential entrepreneurs
• Identify the UK entry to the European Enterprise 2008 Awards.

The overall winner of Enterprising Britain 2008 will receive a winners prize package consisting of:

• Nomination to the European Enterprise Awards
• Extensive media relations package of support to profile the winner’s success and involvement in the competition;
• Logo of accreditation, which can act as a stamp on their merchandise and publicity; materials
• Winner’s trophy, to be presented at the Awards ceremony;
• Recognition and profile with Government, business and policy makers;
• Opportunities to attend Enterprising Britain networking events as well as access to the Enterprising Britain online network
• A permanent physical reminder (such as a plaque, or dedicated statue) to celebrate the win; and,
• Local, regional, national and international recognition of its achievements.

Furness Enterprise and the 11 other regional winners will now be visited by members of the national judging panel over the summer with the national winner being announced at the awards event final.

Downloads

Overview of Enterprising Britain

For more information, please contact David Chapman – Strategy Manager: Enterprise Development david.chapman@nwda.co.uk tel: 01925 400457