The search is on for the West Midlands’ most enterprising cities, villages, towns and neighbourhoods.
Launching today, Enterprising Britain 2010 rewards places that have successfully tackled the economic downturn head-on and are successfully creating jobs, boosting local businesses and nurturing entrepreneurial talent.
Last year, Shropshire was crowned the most enterprising place in the West Midlands and went on represent the region in the national final.
The event has been running since 2005 and is run regionally by the Advantage West Midlands Enterprise Board.
Debra Blisson, Advantage West Midlands Director of Enterprise, said: “Over the years we have had some excellent winners of the Enterprising Britain competition and this year we are hoping that this year will be no exception.
“We want towns, villages and communities that are proud of their achievements in driving enterprise to come forward and enter the competition.
“Previous winners have enjoyed a major lift in their profile as a result of Enterprising Britain and have gone on to do well in the national competition.”
Marking the launch of Enterprising Britain, Lord Davies, Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Small Business, said: “Entrepreneurship was crucial to moving the economy back into growth and our future prosperity also rests on encouraging talented Britons to develop their ideas.
“Enterprising Britain is a great opportunity to showcase communities who have come together to build better futures and inspire others to follow their example.”
The 2010 competition will run in five categories: Enterprise Culture, Driving Entrepreneurial Skills, Business Support and Start-up, Global Entrepreneurship and Social Cohesion.
To register interest, email your contact details to enterprisingbritain@enterpriseuk.org . Entries must be submitted by May 31 2010 and the winner will be announced in October 2010.