The Prime Minister David Cameron backs the Local Business Accelerators campaign (From Basingstoke Gazette)

David Cameron is supporting the Basingstoke Gazette's back Local Business Accerators campaign

1:00pm Thursday 4th October 2012 in Business By Richard Garfield

HE was a supporter when it launched, and following the resounding success of the inaugural Local Business Accelerators campaign, Prime Minister David Cameron is delighted to again lend his support to the initiative.

Mr Cameron said: “The Local Business Accelerators campaign has provided tremendous support to fledgling businesses across the country, and I am delighted that it will be running for a second year.

“Local newspapers play a vital role in their communities and are uniquely placed to support small businesses, giving them the boost that they need to grow, which is good for local areas and good for the economy as a whole.

“I hope more young businesses put themselves forward over the coming weeks and get involved with this innovative scheme, which rewards entrepreneurship and creative thinking in business.”

The Governor of the Bank of England, Sir Mervyn King, is also backing the campaign.

He said: “Exciting innovation and imaginative entrepreneurship are plain to see in many companies – that deserves recognition and support.

“The Local Business Accelerators scheme is an excellent initiative that supports local businesses and communities. And it does so through local newspapers, which play a key role in communicating with the public about the economy and business.”

Business and Enterprise Minister Michael Fallon is keen to highlight the business mentoring side of the competition.

He said: “This Local Business Accelerators campaign will help to link up new entrepreneurial talent with business mentors from the local community.”

John Cridland, director general of the CBI, is also backing the 2012-13 LBA.

He said: “Regional newspapers provide a unique platform for young business talent looking for new ways to grow and develop.

“The CBI wishes the new Local Business Accelerators initiative every success and hopes that this unique partnership devised by the local newspaper industry goes from strength to strength.”

TO take part in the Gazette-backed Local Business Accelerators campaign, first visit accelerateme.co.uk.
From this website, you will find a simple application form which should only take a few minutes to complete.
All that is required are a few details telling us about your business, along with how much turnover your enterprise generates, and what the biggest success your business has enjoyed so far.
When submitting the online application, be sure to select Basingstoke Gazette under Newspaper Title.
This will ensure that your information is passed on by the Newspaper Society, which is spearheading the LBA campaign, to us at Gazette Newspapers.
We will then share this information with our LBA panel team.
At the end of November, a shortlist of local finalists will be selected. They will make a 10-minute Dragons’ Den-style pitch to the judging panel at a date to be confirmed, and the three local winners will be announced in February.
In June, an overall local winner will be announced, with the business going forward to regional heats. The overall national winner will be revealed next October.
Don’t forget, the closing date for entries is Friday, November 16.