Launch of campaign to give local businesses vital support

The Local Business Accelerators scheme will identify dynamic fledgling enterprises and work with them to help achieve their growth potential.

Leading business figures from Yorkshire have agreed to support the campaign by volunteering to act as mentors to the selected companies.

The Yorkshire Post will provide additional support to those companies in the form of a substantial allocation of free advertising space to showcase their businesses to a wide and influential audience.

The campaign is being replicated by nearly 500 newspapers across the country and has won the full backing of the Prime Minister.

David Cameron said: “The Local Business Accelerators campaign will help provide the boost that our smaller British businesses need right now.

“By joining forces to launch this excellent initiative, local newspapers are demonstrating their commitment and providing exactly the sort of hands-on practical, hands-on support that will help young businesses succeed and grow.

“Those that will benefit from the initiative are the very businesses and entrepreneurs that will help to lead Britain’s recovery.”

Deborah Meaden, the entrepreneur and investor famous for her appearances on TV’s Dragons’ Den, is the national ambassador for the campaign.

She said: “I’ve seen the unique contribution that the local press makes to the success of local businesses time and again with my own ventures.

“In this age of enterprise it has never been more important to drive awareness about the value of local marketing for a fledgling business, which is why I’m proud to support Local Business Accelerators and help build thriving and industrious communities.”

The campaign is open to all businesses that are active in Yorkshire, between one and three years old and full of potential.

They may have a great idea or product, or even found a new market. They must be the kind of businesses that will create new jobs and pride in their communities.

To stand a chance of winning invaluable business support and advertising space in the Yorkshire Post, visit www.accelerateme.co.uk for more information on the scheme and how to enter. Entries close on November 14.

The business mentors are all successful business people, running substantial businesses.

They are: Paul Ayre, the managing partner of Leeds and Bradford-based law firm Gordons LLP, Kevin Hollinrake, the managing director of Hunters Property Group, the York-based estate agents, and John Tordoff, managing director of JCT600, the Bradford-based motor group.

They will form the judging panel with the Business Editor and will review and shortlist entries before awarding three Yorkshire companies the prize of business advice and free advertising.

One business picked from the hundreds of regional winners will get individual monitoring sessions from Deborah Meaden, who will become consultant and mentor to the company for one year.

The Newspaper Society is spearheading the national camp- aign.

Geraldine Allinson, president of the industry group, said: “The UK needs to grow local businesses like never before and local businesses need local press.

“No other medium has the power, local knowledge and influence to activate a scheme like Local Business Accelerators.

“It’s where local newspapers have always made a real difference: by helping to build strong local businesses and encourage thriving communities.”

The Newspaper Society calculates that nearly 500 daily and weekly newspapers are taking part in the campaign, which it claims will deliver a £15m “shot in the arm” for young businesses.

The company mentors

The Yorkshire Post has recruited a panel of leading businessmen to act as mentors to three lucky businesses.

They are Paul Ayre, managing partner at Gordons law firm, Kevin Hollinrake, managing director of Hunters Property Group, and John Tordoff, managing director of JCT600 motor group.

Mr Ayre said: “We’re very pleased to help with the Local Business Accelerators scheme as it has a clear focus and will make a real and practical impact.

“We know small businesses constitute the bulk of UK industry, so enterprises like those involved will be vital in leading the recovery.”

Mr Hollinrake said: “I feel honoured to be invited to join this fantastic national campaign which gives me the opportunity to assist and mentor new companies by sharing my years of experience in their early stages of operation.”

Mr Tordoff added: “In the difficult economic climate we all live and work in at present every company needs all the help it can get, therefore I’m delighted to be part of the team whose aim is to assist a selection of promising Yorkshire businesses on the road to success.”

Visit www.accelerateme.co.uk for more information.