Entries for the third annual Startups Awards are still being accepted, but time is running out. <\/p>\n
Friday, 28 July marks the deadline to register for the prestigious awards.<\/p>\n
The awards ceremony is organised by Startups.co.uk, the UK’s largest independent online resource for anyone starting and running a small business, and includes a three-course luncheon to be held at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington on Friday 20 October 2006.<\/p>\n
Launched in conjunction with NatWest, there are a total of 15 Startups Awards to be won, including categories such as Retailer of the Year, Manufacturing Business of the Year and a Silver Fox Award for entrepreneurs over 50 years old.<\/p>\n
This year also sees the introduction of two new categories: Business Plan of the Year, which is open to potential businesses that haven’t started yet, and International Business of the Year, which is aimed at companies trading successfully overseas with a significant portion of foreign business producing revenue.<\/p>\n
Winners of each category will then compete to be named NatWest Business Startup of the Year and collect a grand prize of £5000.<\/p>\n
Product director at NatWest, Craig Donaldson, said: “Small businesses contribute so much to the UK economy and entrepreneurs really deserve to be recognised for their achievements. I wish all of the entrants the best of luck with the awards and all their future endeavours.”<\/p>\n
To be eligible to enter the Startups Awards 2006, businesses must have been trading for less than three years, be privately owned and employ under 60 people. The closing date for entries is 9 June and finalists will be announced on 14 August.<\/p>\n