Backing local winners
Hotfoot gets 2010 off to a flying start
2010 has got off to a good start for many local businesses, and some of our home grown talent is reaping the rewards with national recognition.
Lancaster City Council helps local businesses to succeed by providing grants, help finding premises and access to free business support. A helping hand in the early days of a new business can be vital to ensuring its future success.
These recent award winners have all received Business Development Grants, which the council continues to provide to eligible companies.
Web design and marketing agency Fat Media won the Outstanding Achievement Award form the Interactive Media Council, for its work on the website for Booths supermarkets.
Since the state-of-the-art site’s development, visitor numbers have increased by 200% and people are browsing on the site for 40% longer.
Printed Space, based on White Lund, won the "Creative Business of the Year" award at the BIBAs hosted by NW Chamber of Commerce. Printed Space produce canvas prints, bespoke digital wallpaper, photographic cushion floor and blinds using wide format digital printing.
Hotfoot graphic design agency were recently named as finalists in eight categories at the RAR Design Awards in London, and came third in the top ten out of 350 nominated UK design companies with up to 30 employees.
ShP, mobile phone recycler based in Lancaster, was named in the Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies to Work For 2010. All companies had to provide evidence of workplace initiatives including training programmes and benefits packages, as well as corporate social responsibility and environmental practices.
The city council is currently running a Rent Grant scheme, offering eligible businesses a grant of up to 50% of the first year’s rent if they are moving into commercial premises or relocating their business.
Another Lancaster entrepreneur Kenneth Cheung, founder of BEEcycle, which provides and produces products and services for food waste recycling and indoor gardening, was shortlisted for the Rising Star Awards at the Ethnic Minority Business Forum Awards 2010. BEEcycle is based in the Lancaster Environment Centre at Lancaster University, where a number of resident companies have benefitted from the Rent Grant scheme.
If you are in business, or have an idea for a new business venture, contact Lancaster City Council to find out what support is available. Call Linda Logan on 01524 582081 or visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/business
Date Published: 13/05/10