Enterprising Places Decend on the Capital for the National Final of the Enterprising Britain Competition!
December 1st, 2009 by Amelia
A seaside town where 5,000 new businesses have been inspired since 1982, and 206 jobs created in the last two years*, was named the enterprise capital of Britain yesterday at the national finals of the Enterprising Britain competition run by Enterprise UK and the department of Business, Innovation and Skills.
Lowestoft in the East of England has transformed itself from a town in decline hit by industrial downturns into a breeding ground for business growth.
Scott Cain, deputy chief executive of Enterprise UK, said: “Lowestoft and specifically NWES has demonstrated outstanding vision and drive to become this year’s Enterprising Britain winner. It’s an inspiring story of inspiring people coming together to change lives.”
Trade, Investment and Small Business Minister Lord Davies said: “Enterprise remains the engine room of our economy, with 4.8 million businesses last year contributing more than 50% to the UK’s turnover.
“NWES has turned a deprived seaside town into a community that is no longer dependent on a few major employers. In these tough economic times it has established a strong enterprise culture in the region, supporting growing businesses and creating jobs.
“In the current economic climate, we must continue to place enterprise at the heart of our businesses and communities.”
Other runners up in the competition included Ashfield Skills Centre from Ashfield school and The Pride of Hull. Both strong candidates, however there could only be one winner!
Set in the awe inspiring surroundings of Altitude 360 where a panoramic view of the London skyline stole the show, a great afternoon was had by all.
*This post was amended on 7th December 2009 – please see comments below
December 7th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
The facts quoted in your first paragrapgh are wrong. They come from a Press Association article which got its figures mixed up. ACCORDING TO YOUR OWN WEBSITE ten thousand jobs have supposedly been created in the whole region over a period of nearly thirty years…In Lowestoft over the past two years the true figure is about 200. THIS needs TO BE CHANGED! YOU ARE THE OFFICIAL ENTERPRISE WEB SITE.
December 7th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Thanks a lot for pointing this out Guy – we’ve updated the figures accordingly.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Apologies for the stastical error. The NWES figures were distorted after circulation – however this has now been rectified. Thank you for bringing it to our attention.