Region proving a hotspot for seeing young businesses develop

YORKSHIRE’S academic excellence and cluster of universities mean it is one of the best places in Britain to develop early-stage businesses, according to a senior manager from telecommunications giant O2.

Gareth Pickles, head of site for O2 in Leeds, said Yorkshire’s range of higher education institutions – it has nine universities and one university college – means it is well-placed to lead the economic recovery, despite the challenges still facing companies.

He also said that adopting green business practices had moved from being seen as an added extra to a “requirement” that helped to add value to a company’s performance.

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Mr Pickles, also head of business services for O2 parent company Telefónica UK, was speaking in the run-up to the sixth Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards, for which the entry deadline has been extended.

O2 is again sponsoring the Young Entrepreneur of the Year category, which is open to owner managers and directors aged 35 and under.

Mr Pickles said young business people still faced many difficulties, despite Britain’s emergence from recession.

“It is really for challenging for them (but) from what I have seen there is a wealth of talent in our colleges and universities.

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“We need to help and encourage our entrepreneurs. We need to showcase the best in business.”

Winners of this category are likely to show innovative ideas and have a firm idea of their place in the market, according to Mr Pickles.

Judges will also be looking for products or services that made things easier for customers or better for the environment, he added.

O2 is the largest private sector single-site employer in Leeds and Mr Pickles said the spotlight created by the Excellence in Business Awards acted as a showcase for talent produced by Yorkshire’s colleges and universities.

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“It helps to support the region. There is a massive talent pool for companies to tap into. There are universities dotted around, it is a real hotspot. We all feel the economic benefits of that (and the challenge is) making sure businesses invest locally.”

His comments echo those of Ed Balls at the awards in 2009, when the then Schools Secretary – also Gordon Brown’s closest political ally – told business leaders the future of the country was in their hands.

“I hope that after tonight and after you have celebrated the awards you will think what could we do for the schools and the young people in our communities to raise aspirations and to make a difference for the future,” he said.

Mr Pickles said Britain remained a “very difficult economic environment” in 2011 but O2 had made an effort to adapt to its customers’ demands.

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“Customers are looking at the price and ease of use. In our industry it is about connectivity.

“Some of the things we do are to make it easier for the customer, like launching O2 Gurus who are trained members of the team, who help customers to use the technology and show how it can work better for them.”

O2 also runs the Think Big scheme in Britain, for people aged between 13 to 25 years. It was set up to improve communities and to encourage people to think differently.

Projects can apply for £300 initially and one day of training and then, if they have done well, can compete for greater sums of money.

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The Excellence in Business Awards have become the leading business event in Yorkshire, reflected by heavyweight private sector backing from main sponsors Aviva, DLA Piper, Goldman Sachs, PwC and Yorkshire Bank.

As well as Mr Balls, top political speakers have included George Osborne, the Chancellor, and David Cameron, then the leader of the Opposition.

The deadline for entries has been extended to 9am on June 27 and the awards ceremony takes place in Leeds on October 13.

This year’s keynote speaker will be announced in due course. For more information and an entry form go to www.yorkshirepost.co.uk

The categories

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Young Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by O2, open to owner managers and directors aged 35 and under.

Innovation of the Year, sponsored by Drax.

SME Manufacturer of the Year, sponsored by TC Harrison JCB, open to companies with a turnover of £10m or less.

Outstanding Employer of the Year, sponsored by the Bradford University School of Management.

Exporter of the Year, sponsored by thebigword.

Business Community Award, sponsored by Aviva.

Young Business of the Year, sponsored by Goldman Sachs.

Companies with a Turnover up to £10m, sponsored by Yorkshire Bank.

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Companies with a Turnover between £10m and £50m, sponsored by PwC.

Companies with a Turnover above £50m, sponsored by DLA Piper.

The Yorkshire Post Individual Award for Excellence, chosen by this newspaper.