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70/04 29 April 2004

BRITAIN'S SMALL BUSINESSES ARE CHAMPION

The third annual hunt for the British Small Business Champion is well underway. With hundreds of entries from small firms across the UK already flooding in, time is running out for potential winning firms to enter the competition.

Stephen Pegge for Lloyds TSB Business says: "We're looking for all well-run small enterprises that have been in operation for at least five years, employ fewer than 50 people and offer excellent customer service. Whatever your trade and wherever you are in Britain, it doesn't matter - if you've got a good business tell us about it."

With the potential of being crowned the British Small Business Champion of 2004, as well as winning a tailor-made business trip to New York, there's every reason to apply. The closing date is 14 May 2004, so there's still time. Expert judges from Lloyds TSB, the Federation of Small Business, The Daily Mirror and Business in the Community (BiTC) will then select six regional winners to represent the North, Midlands, South of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the final at Claridges in London on 10 November 2004.

John Emmins, national chairman of the Federation of Small Business, says: "These awards are a brilliant way of providing much needed recognition to both business owners and their staff. Just being shortlisted sends out a powerful message to others about how you do business and can be invaluable in raising your profile."

To enter, call 01296 426813, fax 01296 423851, write to BSBC, 80 Friarscroft Way, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 2TF, email [email protected] or apply online at www.fsb.org.uk/general/bsbc. …/more BRITAIN'S SMALL BUSINESSES ARE CHAMPION/…2

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Notes to editors:  Interviews with previous winners or finalists can be arranged.

For more information: Jo Ganly/Rowena Denham Lloyds TSB Press Office Tel: 020 7356 2075/2491 E: [email protected]/[email protected] www.mediacentre.lloydstsb.com