Duke of York to launch award at IFB event
HRH DUKE of York is attending an entrepreneurs’ event at the International Festival for Business in Liverpool next month.
He will be opening and speaking about the importance of recognising and supporting entrepreneurs at a ‘pitch and panel’ debate at St George’s Hall, Liverpool on June 24.
The event will see 10 semi finalists competing for the inaugural Duke of York New Entrepreneur of the Year Award, a new category in the National Business Awards.
A panel of judges will choose five finalists, who will then face a public vote to determine the overall winner.
The award is open to enter for any first business founder that has been trading for 18 months or less on 1 April 2014. The Duke of York New Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognises those demonstrating the entrepreneurial aptitude, commercial acumen, vision, ambition and drive to build a successful enterprise.
Each semi finalist will present a three minute pitch on their business model, key achievements and elements underpinning future growth to a panel of judges, including Ed Wray, one of the founders of Betfair.
Commenting on the launch of this award at the 2013 ceremony, HRH The Duke of York said: “It’s become clear to me and to the National Business Awards that there’s a gap. I
“It’s a small gap but a very important gap – and that is for those that are starting out in business. To find a way of being able to recognise the excellent work of entrepreneurs who are new to business, the National Business Awards and I have come together to create a new award.”
The 13th annual National Business Awards are open to enter until May 23.
