Local Business Accelerators

NEWSQUEST South West, publishers of The Packet, has joined other regional and local newspapers across the country to deliver a huge boost to UK business by pledging an unprecedented £15m of free advertising to the most dynamic fledgling enterprises.

The bold initiative, backed by Dragons’ Den judge, Deborah Meaden, is called Local Business Accelerators (LBA) and is being spearheaded by the voice of local media, the Newspaper Society.

Nearly 500 local press publications, including Newsquest South West’s Packet Newspapers in Cornwall and the Somerset County Gazette in Taunton are joining forces to promote the strength and value of local newspapers for local businesses and communities.

Together, the local press industry will search for the nation’s most promising young businesses and help them accelerate their success with top professional advice from local business mentors plus a substantial allocation of free advertising space in their local publication.

What’s more, one lucky business picked from the hundreds of regional winners will get individual mentoring sessions from the LBA national ambassador Deborah Meaden, who will become a consultant and mentor to the business for one year.

Deborah Meaden said: "I’ve seen the unique contribution that 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 so proud to support Local Business Accelerators and help build thriving and industrious communities."

This week Newsquest South West launches its Local Business Accelerators search.

It’s open to all businesses that are active in the local community, 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’re the kind of businesses that will create new jobs and individually they will create pride in the community.

If you run such a business, or know anyone who does, and want the chance to receive invaluable business support and advertising space in the Packet or County Gazette, visit www.accelerateme.co.uk for more information on the scheme and how to enter. Entries close November 14, 2011.

Leaders within the local business community alongside Packet publisher Jonathan Perkins in Cornwall and Newsquest South West managing director Simon Dixon-Phillip will form the judging panel.

They will review and shortlist entries before awarding three lucky local businesses from the region with the prize of free advertising and business advice.

They’ll also be looking out for that one overall star business from the South West region to put forward to be in with a chance to gain Deborah Meaden as a mentor during 2012.