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Four bosses to face dragons
In the den ... Eddie Czestochowski.
TODAY we can announce which South Tyneside company bosses will enter the dragons’ den to win a business opportunity of a lifetime.
A final shortlist of four competitors has been selected to try to convince a panel of judges that their business idea is a winner.
The final four will attempt to slay three ‘dragons’ with their entrepreneurial skills at a business showdown tomorrow.
Up for grabs for the new firms is professional advice from top business mentors, plus a substantial slice of free advertising space.
The Shields Gazette and nearly 500 other local newspapers and publications across the country are pledging an unprecedented £15m of free advertising to the most dynamic fledgling enterprises as part of the Local Business Accelerators scheme.
Backed by Dragons’ Den judge, Deborah Meaden, the scheme is being spearheaded by the voice of local media, the Newspaper Society.
The four new local firms who battled it through the final are No Lippy Boot Camp, Westoe Village Kindergarten, the Safety Razor Company and Artis Consulting.
Donna Kerr-Foley, of Hebburn, owner of No Lippy Boot Camp, which runs keep-fit sessions at venues across South Tyneside and beyond, said: “It’s fantastic to make it through to the final. My business is doing well, but this competition could give us a great boost.” Eddie Czestochowski, who already runs successful battery company, Cell Pack Solutions, based at Tedco Business Works, South Shields, is just getting the Safety Razor Company off the ground.
He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to make the final four.
“A friend ran the business as a kind of hobby, but I took it on and intend to run it as a totally separate entity, selling old-style razors and related products.”
Eamonn Gribben, owner of Westoe Village Kindergarten, South Shields, said: “It’s a real thrill to make the final four of Local Business Accelerators.
“We have been going just over two years and business is going well, but winning this prize would be a great help.”
Martin Round, who runs Artis Consulting, based at Monkton Business Park, Hebburn, with business partner, Sean McKeown, said: “I’m over the moon to be selected. We are still a two-man company, but hope to expand next year.
“We are picking up a lot of work through the construction sector and this prize would help boost our expansion plans.”
All four local business finalists will tomorrow face a judging panel made up of Gazette editor John Szymanski, South Tyneside Council leader Iain Malcolm and Michael Arnot, MD of business consultants Cahootz Ltd and manager of South Tyneside Business Forum.
terry.kelly@northeast-press.co.uk
THE DRAGONS are looking forward to hearing what the shortlisted South Tyneside businesses have to offer.
Shields Gazette editor John Szymanski said: “There is no doubt that the shortlisted businesses have a major challenge on their hands to push themselves forward and pitch their vision to the panel of dragons.
“If they rise to the challenge, then they will get a fantastic opportunity to be handed a terrific package, which will promote their business in very tough times and hopefully give them a lift.
“I will be looking for innovative ideas, how they operate in the marketplace, what products or services they provide that goes that extra mile - and a canny bit of business acumen thrown in too.
“I am eagerly looking forward to what should be a fascinating and informative day.”
Mr Arnot added: “I know how imaginative, resourceful and committed South Tyneside businesses can be, and I know we won’t be disappointed on the day.
“I’m looking in particular for clear vision of the business going forward, how it satisfies the market is serves, and particularly how the advertising would be used or would support their promotional strategy.”
Coun Malcolm said: “The prosperity of South Tyneside depends heavily on businesses creating jobs and wealth.
“In this tough economic climate, companies must show they can step up to the plate and show they have innovative and compelling strategies to be successful.”
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Thursday 23 February 2012
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