£10k business prize down to final five
THE shortlist for this year’s £10,000 EnterPrize Award, for start-up companies in East Manchester, includes a car sales text services, a dog massage company, and an American collectables and memorabilia company.
Regeneration company New East Manchester set up the scheme three years ago to encourage economic growth through entrepreneurship.
The scheme offers a total prize fund of £22,000 twice a year, with the grand prix prize of £10,000 from the Northwest Regional Development Agency and New Deal for Communities, going to one of five shortlisted businesses. A second award of £5,000 is funded by Manchester Solutions.
Eddie Smith, chief executive of New East Manchester, said: “Start-up businesses and small firms are facing a tough time within the current economic climate. It’s vital that we continue to reward the ambition of entrepreneurs in east Manchester and encourage their great ideas and hard work.
Architect Ian Simpson, the man behind the city’s iconic Beetham Tower, will be the keynote speaker at the awards ceremony, which will be held next Tuesday at Gorton Monastery.
The shortlisted companies are:
AUTR: Kevin Hankinson offers motorists a quick method of getting their car onto the market by using SMS to create a short advert which is displayed in their vehicle. Buyers wanting full details text the car’s registration to the code displayed in the advert.
Barking Barbers: Angel Dominic Moore has set up a home dog grooming service offering reiki and massage for pets plus natural remedies, essential oil beauty treatments and animal accessories via the website.
Hound Helpers: Sarah Roper has established a pet services company which offers dog walking, pet sitting, pet transportation and pet supplies.
Main Event Collectables: Khalil Butt sells memorabilia, collectable toys, comic character statues and action figures imported from America via his Gorton market store and website. He is aiming to expand his product range and set up a telephone order service.
Your Essential Services: Mark Spilling is one of the directors of facilities management company YES, which provides buildings management and maintenance services.
