The Telegraph Launches SME Of The Year Competition
A brand new competition has been launched to award one small business in the UK the accolade of SME of the Year.
The Telegraph is running the contest in partnership with FedEx to celebrate the work of often unsung SMEs, which the newspaper says are "quietly" doing their bit to contribute to the country's economy, by "creating jobs, innovation and prosperity".
Deputy editor of the Telegraph Allister Heath commented: "I am delighted to be announcing the launch of the first Telegraph Festival of Business SME of the Year competition.
"The Telegraph has long been a champion and supporter of small and medium-sized businesses in the UK and the Festival of Business award is a wonderful opportunity to publicly recognise and celebrate their achievements."
Government figures show that SMEs currently account for over 99 per cent of the 4.9 million private sector businesses in the UK, employing over 14.4 million individuals, with a combined turnover in the region of £1.6 trillion.
The newspaper stated that it believed this significant contribution was worth celebrating, hence it has decided to launch this new competition.
It anticipates that this will be an annual event, with small companies with 200 or fewer employees being asked to write 200 words about why they believe they are outstanding.
In addition, SMEs are required to submit no more than 100 words about a moment that stands out from their time in operation, with these two pieces of writing needing to be sent to the newspaper before midnight on Tuesday September 30th.
Entries will be judged by several high-profile figures from the industry, including vice-president for the UK and Ireland at FedEx Trevor Hoyle, Festival of Business editor Rachel Bridge and former HearSay singer turned successful businesswoman Myleene Klass.
The winner is set to be announced on Tuesday November 11th at the Telegraph's fourth Festival of Business. The firm crowned SME of the Year will be given coverage and £25,000 worth of advertising space in the newspaper, as well as a stand at the Festival.
Expert Opinion
Small businesses are widely regarded as the lifeblood of the economy and through our work we have seen the high standard of talent and innovation that drives many SMEs and entrepreneurs. <br/> <br/>"It is very welcome to see this initiative launched which will shine a light on the achievements of the small business community and showcase the important contribution that they are making to the UK business in general. <br/> <br/>"This competition could provide SMEs with important profile regarding their work and we would urge them to get involved." Fergal Dowling - Partner