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recent releases from Leicester Shire Development Agency, Business Link for Leicestershire and Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland | 
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9 December 2002
SEARCH IS ON FOR LINCOLNSHIRE & RUTLAND'S
YOUNG LiveWIRE TYCOONS
Shell LiveWIRE has launched its search for the UK's Young Business Person of the Year and local LiveWIRE co-ordinator, Coral Willcox, of Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland, is hoping that this year the two counties can produce the UK's top young entrepreneur.
She said, "Small Businesses started by enterprising young people are the lifeblood of our economy. Shell LiveWIRE aims to encourage and help many more youngsters turn their dreams into reality, and the search is now on to find Lincolnshire & Rutland's best young business. "
Nationally, over £220,000 is up for grabs in the Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award competition, which is supported locally by Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland, U K Online for Business, Inbiz and various local sponsors.
The winner of the Lincolnshire and Rutland stage of the competition will win £400 prize money, a free half day consultancy with an IT or Marketing Specialist and two places at the Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland annual business awards dinner in June. They will also go on to represent the county at the East Midlands regional final next spring.
The winner of the Regional heat will receive £1000 and a place at the UK final in London next June, when they will compete with ten other top young entrepreneurs from throughout the UK for a first prize of £10,000 and the prestigious title of "Shell LiveWIRE Young Business Person of the Year."
Last year's local winner, Theresa Cook of The Community Shop in Gainsborough, says the competition is extremely encouraging for young businesses.
"As well as the opportunity to win cash and get loads of great publicity, winning a Shell LiveWIRE award is the perfect advertisement for a new business. I won lots of new business as a result of the publicity - my business got a real boost and has gone from strength to strength. Entering the awards has also given me the support network and the encouragement to make me determined to succeed."
Illustrating the important contribution made by young businesses to the economy, Coral Willcox, said, "Programmes such as LiveWIRE contribute to future economic growth. By encouraging young people to start up in business the programme can help to develop the small business sector, which is the main creator of jobs in the UK today.
"For example, last year's 92 regional finalists had a combined net profit of over £600,000. Since 1995 the 744 regional finalist businesses have achieved a combined turnover of £53.5 million and created over 2200 new jobs."
The competition is open to young people aged 16 -30 whose businesses have been trading for between 3 - 18 months by the end of January 2003. To enter, a business plan must be submitted to LiveWIRE by 31st January 2003, which will be assessed by an independent panel of judges.
For further information contact Shell LiveWIRE on 0845 757 3252 (cost of a local call) or Coral Willcox at Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland on 01522 574015.
Ends
For further media information
CONTACT Kate Downs on 0116 254 4472
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