Chance to get a great idea off the ground

Sep 4 2007 by Alistair Houghton, Liverpool Daily Post

IT’S vital the region’s new business talent is supported – that’s the message from the supporters of The Search initiative to find Merseyside’s Entrepreneur of the Year.

The project, the brainchild of Wirral-based Dominique Faversham Group, in association with the Liverpool Daily Post, aims to help budding businesspeople get their ideas off the ground.

The Search was launched in the Daily Post yesterday and is being backed by Cherie Blair.

Budding entrepreneurs can enter an exceptional business idea that needs funding and practical advice to become a reality, or can enter a business trading for less than two years that needs financial stability and guidance to achieve its potential.

The Merseyside Entrepreneur of the Year will be announced in December and will receive up to £100,000 of unsecured business funding, guaranteed by Dominique Faversham Group and provided through Lloyds TSB.

David Mairs, founder and chief executive of Dominique Faversham Group, said he wanted to recognise talent of all ages and backgrounds.

The initiative is supported by GB Finance, Griffiths & Armour, Hill Dickinson, KPMG and Windsors of Wallasey.

Will Baker, director at the Liverpool office of financial advisers KPMG, said: “The contribution that entrepreneurs make to the Merseyside economy cannot be under-estimated, so it is essential that we continue to foster our regional talent, providing them with the support they need to succeed. This is why initiatives like The Search are so invaluable.”

Tony Wilson, senior partner at Liverpool law firm Hill Dickinson, said: “The Search is a unique opportunity for an aspiring entrepreneur to take the next step, with invaluable advice and guidance provided by some of Merseyside’s top business advisers.

“The initiative is also just as importantly a significant platform for promoting and nurturing entrepreneurial spirit. This continues to be a driving force in the region’s rebirth.”

Windsors, of Wallasey, has five motor dealership franchises on the Wirral.

Group managing director David Tuomey said: “It’s great when people start up in business and create jobs.”

Barry Pearson, director of Liverpool-based GB Finance, said: “We are pleased to be associated with The Search presentation since we are always striving to generate innovative ideas and solutions for clients, and this is a fantastic opportunity to work with like-minded people who share the same goal of helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams.”

Steve Bamforth, senior partner at Liverpool financial services firm Griffiths & Armour, said: “We’re a very entrepreneurial business aimed at quality service for our clients. The best way to improve our client offering is through entrepreneurial thought.”

The Search opened for entries yesterday and closes at noon on October 1.

Entries will be grouped into age categories of 18-25, 26-49 and 50+ and subjected to a three-stage judging process.

Applications can be submitted online at www.thesearchmerseyside.com or submitted by post to Dominique Faversham Group, Faversham House, Wirral International Business Park, Old Hall Road, Bromborough, Wirral CH62 3NX.

Application forms are available at all Merseyside branches of Lloyds TSB and from Liverpool Daily Post, BBC Radio Merseyside, Dominique Faversham Group and the offices of local businesses who have pledged support for The Search.

alistairhoughton@dailypost.co.uk