Banbury Innovation Awards 2007
15 Nov 2007
For the second year running, aspiring entrepreneurs are being given the chance to compete in Banbury’s version of the Dragons’ Den.
Applicants can submit their own entries, or be nominated by a third party to participate in the Banbury Innovation Awards. Applications will be short listed in early December and successful candidates at this stage will have the opportunity of meeting the panel to discuss their idea or business more detail to progress to the final selection. A superb selection of prizes is available to the winner and runner to assist them in their business venture.
Finalists will be able present their business ideas to five successful business leaders – or ‘dragons’ in an attempt to win the prizes on offer. Mentoring support in preparation for the Grande Final in January will be available from Bernard Goodchild, a local SME Business Advisor.
Lilian Bannister, Marketing Manager of The Colin Sanders Innovation Centre in Banbury said: “The Innovation Centre is honoured to be part of the Banbury Innovation Award for the second year. The award was inspired by the work of Colin Sanders, local entrepreneur and inventor and aims to seek out the entrepreneurs in the area for recognition, support, encouragement and specialised help to ensure the success of their business”
David Saunders, Partner at Ellacotts LLP, as sponsor and member of the judging panel of the Award explains: “The Innovation Award was an exciting and enjoyable event for all those involved last year. It was a great pleasure to see the benefit that entrants received from simply taking part because it gave them a chance to really consider their ideas in a structured way and have access to professional support from the local business community.”
The Banbury Innovation Award has attracted many key sponsors again this year including: The Banbury Guardian; Spratt Endicott Solicitors; Lloyds TSB Banbury; Oxford Innovation Ltd; Gusto Games; Bernard Goodchild; Chapman Molony Patent Attorney; Touch FM Radio; Cherwell District Council, Business Link Solutions. PDQ Partnership; Mange Tout; Brethertons Solicitors and others.
Entrants have until November 24th to submit applications before a shortlist of finalists is decided on the 8th December. They will take part in a Dragons’ Den-style final in early January to decide on a winner and runner up. The winner will receive a trophy donated by Cherwell District Council; a £500 cash award sponsored by Simon Phillips, Managing Director of Gusto Games, an office to the value of £2500 at either Colin Sanders, Cherwell or Bicester Innovation Centres as well as first choice from a large selection of specialist business services to help to develop the business idea or business.
For more information or for a hard copy application form, contact Business Link at info@businesslinksolutions.co.uk or call 01844 210430.
