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New kids on the block who play a major role in supporting big boys of city economy [Derby Evening Telegraph (England)](Derby Evening Telegraph (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Entries have now closed for the first ever Derby Telegraph Business Awards. Here, we profile some of the companies that have registered for the New Business of the Year category, sponsored by Wheeldon Brothers. THE number of new companies being formed in Derby has reached record levels. That's according to the latest Duport Business Confidence Report, which found that, in 2013, 2,144 new businesses were started in the city - the highest number since the survey began. The figure smashes the previous record set in 2012, when 1,900 new firms started. Once upon a time, Derby was accused of being overreliant on a small number of large companies - the Bombardiers, Toyotas and Rolls- Royces of this world - putting the city's economy in a precarious position if anything was ever to happen to these firms. The city's reliance on the "big boys" was deemed to be stifling entrepreneurship and the creation of new business. Over the last couple of years, much has changed. Thankfully, we still have our major companies but, at the same time, more new businesses are coming on to the scene. It is the best of these companies that the Derby Telegraph Business Awards aims to recognise through the New Business of the Year category. This award is open to companies in the region that have been in operation for a maximum of three years as of January 1, 2014. This coveted award recognises one of the region's brightest new businesses and the contribution it will make to the county in the future. Judges will be tasked with analysing business plans, achievements to date and potential growth within the next few years. One of the city's new businesses that is literally making waves is wet suit and triathlon brand Huub. Founded by managing director Dean Jackson, the company has taken off in a big way with some top names choosing to wear its wetsuit and apparel portfolio. Among those who wear Huub are the Olympic medallist Brownlee brothers. Others that have adopted the Huub brand are celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, Formula One driver Jenson Button and the Prince of Denmark. Earlier this year, the firm won Triathlon Wetsuit Brand of the Year in the 220 Triathlon Awards 2014 for the second successive year. The firm now plans to develop further thanks to a Pounds 170,000 loan and grant package from the Derby Enterprise Growth Fund and Pounds 109,000 from the Government's Technology Strategy Board. A firm whose cutting-edge technology is proving popular with customer is Ilkeston's FC Laser. Founded in June 2012 by Danny Fantom, it offers precision laser- cut components to a number of different industries, including aerospace, motorsport, retail and general engineering. Investment in innovative technology has enabled this rapidly growing young firm to create jobs at its 9,000 sq ft production facility, which sits next to the M1 on the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire border. Another new business making its mark is Pride Park-based Essential Print Services. Founded by Yvonne Gorman in early 2011, the business offers a range of design and printing services. Business growth meant she needed bigger facilities in a more prominent location and last year the company moved to larger premises on Pride Park. The company now employs three people providing printing services and solutions for a wide range of clients, around 85% of whom are from Derby and Derbyshire. As well as running her business, Derby-born-andbred Yvonne has become something of an ambassador for Derby's business community. Last year, she championed Small Business Saturday - a Government- backed initiative that called on shoppers to back small local businesses by shopping locally. Yvonne flew the flag for the city at a reception at 10 Downing Street. She was chosen to attend the reception after being featured in the Small Business Saturday Top 100 - a daily countdown of 100 firms on the Small Business Saturday Facebook page. Some new businesses are formed out of a great idea. For years, internet connectivity issues plagued businesses on Pride Park. That was until a new firm called W3Z came up with a solution by transmitting broadband in from its radio masts. Last year, the Ripley firm, which is a subsidiary of radio communications operation Zycomm, teamed up with Derby County to install radio technology on the top of Pride Park Stadium, which allows superfast wireless broadband to be beamed to scores of surrounding businesses. As an internet service provider, W3Z has about 3,000 residential and business customers in rural Derbyshire, including a number of bluechip firms. It makes use of a two-way hilltop mast developed and owned by its parent company. Prior to the Pride Park installation, its wireless systems were primarily used to get broadband internet access to more remote areas not served by fibre-optic cables. Other firms that have registered to enter the New Business of the Year category are Noel-Baker IT Services, McCarthy Campbell, Docuflow, The Web Design Group, Status Social, Creative Studios Derby, Seven Restaurant and Cafe Bar, GSE Media, Fishbone Solutions, Karentino, Armadillo Merino, Mobile Gaming Studios Ltd T/A Eight Pixels Square, Xpertise Recruitment, Emoire, Finanscapes, Mair Perkins Animation and Illustration, DigiMark Hilton, Drainstore.com, JJohnson Electrical, Funktion Fitness, Ripplez CIC, IGEM, Oring Industrial Networking (UK), Scribble Mail, Matthew Jones Photography, Furthest from the Sea, Drive Like a Rockstar, Arc Mechanical and Electrical, Amanda Reeve, VerMillion Event Specialists, Central Health Network, Vibrant Doors, IntaRack Solutions, ID Facilities, S-GTTL Transport Training, Futures Greenscape, The White Horse, Bongobillys Gifts and Nash@Home. The finalists and winner for this award will be decided by the category sponsor, Wheeldon Brothers. James Parkin, managing director of Wheeldon Brothers, said: "We are firm believers that growth is based on well-placed foundations and we are delighted to be able to celebrate that strength and passion for the first ever Derby Telegraph Business Awards." Entries have now closed for the Derby Telegraph Business Awards. Now, judges will be sifting through the entries to compile their shortlists and choose the eventual winners, who will be named at a glittering awards ceremony, which will take place at Derby College's Roundhouse on June 18. Tables for the event, which will start at 6.30pm with a champagne reception, cost Pounds 750 plus VAT and each table can accommodate 10 people. To purchase a table or tickets to the event, contact Charlotte Best on 08453 313031 or e-mail [email protected]. [email protected] MORE AWARDS NEWS ONLINE Go to derbytelegraph.co.uk AND THE CATEGORIES ARE... DERBY COMPANY OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Derby College) For a business that has achieved an overall exceptional standard of excellence this year. DERBY SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Freeth Cartwright) This award puts a spotlight on the most successful small businesses in the region with more than six and fewer than 75 employees. NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Wheeldon Brothers Limited) This award is about recognising tomorrow's brightest business today. BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR (sponsored by the University of Derby) This award celebrates the entrepreneurs behind some of the most successful businesses in Derbyshire. SERVICES AWARD (sponsored by Franklin Underwood) This award rewards and recognises professional service organisations that have demonstrable strengths in service excellence, business growth, innovation, technology, training and personal development. SALES AND MARKETING AWARD (sponsored by Vision Express) This award honours excellence in sales and marketing in Derbyshire businesses. EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AWARD (sponsored by Bombardier) This award pays tribute to the business that is continuing Derbyshire's tradition for scientific and technological excellence. RETAIL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Quantum) This award recognises some of the finest and most successful retail businesses in Derbyshire. CREATIVE INDUSTRIES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (sponsored by AMG Wealth Management) Derbyshire is one of the most creative regions in the country and this award recognises the achievement of businesses which are within all the creative industries. INTERNATIONAL TRADE AWARD (sponsored by PKF Cooper Parry) This award goes to a company that demonstrated excellence in trading internationally this year. EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING AWARD (sponsored by Flint Bishop) This award pays tribute to the businesses that are continuing that tradition through excellent manufacturing today. CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY AWARD (sponsored by Westfield Derby and Aspirational Magazine) This award goes to the business that has made the biggest contribution to the community this year. NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATION AWARD (sponsored by Sellick Partnership) Derbyshire boasts many successful not-for-profit organisations that make a huge contribution to the community. This award celebrates the best of these organisations. "We are firm believers that growth is based on wellplaced foundations." JAMES PARKIN (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |