The “unsung heroes” who have devoted their lives to supporting small businesses and enterprise were recognised at an awards ceremony in London yesterday.
The winners, mostly small business owners themselves, were presented with their ‘Enterprise Champion’ awards at the SFEDI Enterprise Support Awards 2008.
Individuals from different types of business support organisations were honoured for their outstanding achievements in six categories, before Terry Owens was revealed as the overall Champion Enterprise Supporter 2008. His business, Inbiz, has helped over 20,600 people start their own businesses and come off benefits, 84% of which are still trading after two years.
Paul Davies, founder of Clowne Enterprise and Bizfizz, was the Enterprise Champion Support Professional. He commented: “In three years, we’ve helped create 70 new businesses, which just goes to show the impact that local and well supported business support actually has, it does make a huge difference.”
Tony Robinson, founder of SFEDI, which sets national occupational standards for small firms’ support and training providers, added: “Wobbles in the big business community are a stark reminder of the importance of investing in the next generation of businesses and business owners to ensure they survive and thrive.
“Those providing support to these brave souls are the unsung heroes of the UK business community and we hope our awards help to redress the balance.”
Tim Campbell, winner of the first series of The Apprentice and founder of the Bright Ideas Trust, which helps budding young entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality, was also present at the awards. He said: “A lot of emphasis is placed on businesses and the entrepreneurs who slog really hard, which is great, but more so it’s about the people who are willing to support those organisations when nobody else is.”
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008
