The search for enterprising firms is on

A NEW business competition aimed at highlighting the region’s ‘can-do’ business attitude has been launched by Business Link Yorkshire.

Winners of the Bucking the Trend competition will win six months of mentoring from top business leaders such as Gordon Bridge, chief executive of Aesseal, Nimble Thompson, regional chairman of the Institute of Directors, Kevin Whiteman, chief executive of the Kelda Group and businesswoman Jan Fletcher.

Runners-up will win a one off mentoring session from fellow mentors Neil Turton, chief executive of Nisa-Today, Linda Pollard, regional chairman of Coutts Bank, Mark Andrews, chief executive of N G Bailey, Stephen Martin, chief executive of Clugston Group, and Martin Allison, dean of business and law and Leeds Metropolitan University.

All finalists will also win £250 tickets to the Yorkshire International Business Convention in Harrogate or Bridlington, the region’s largest networking event, and a place at the Business Link VIP Breakfast. Everyone entering the competition will go into a draw for further tickets.

According to Helen West, chief executive of Business Link Yorkshire judges will be particularly looking out for firms that have overcome a challenge of grasped an opportunity.

“Yorkshire is renowned for its tenacity and innovation,” she said.

“Through our support of the Yorkshire International Business Convention we want to show that the region is open for business and to help companies innovate their way through the recession.”

She added: “We hope that this competition will highlight good ideas which we will share with other businesses later.

To enter the Business Link Bucking the Trend competition go online at www. www.businesslinkyorkshire.co.uk/yibc