Here be dragons: £5,000 prize in business contest

A NEW competition is to offer Moorland’s entrepreneurs the chance to shine and win a big prize.

A brand-new competition for startup entrepreneurs is being launched by local business leaders in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Dyer’s Den is looking to reward a deserving business or entrepreneur with a prize worth £5,000 in a combination of cash and business services.

The competition is the idea of Jed Eatough, director of Leek-based LSGK Accountants and supported by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Moorlands Chamber of Commerce, Tinsdills Solicitors and Yellow Circle Web Solutions.

The competition is now open to any business less than three years old based in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Successful finalists will be invited to face the Dyer’s Den judging panel in March, with the worthy winner receiving the prize package to enable their business to move to the next level.

The prize is made up of £750 in cash, mentoring, legal help and advice, membership of the Chamber of Commerce and a social media support campaign.

There will also be a £250 cash prize for the runner up.

Jed Eatough said: “Staffordshire Moorlands has a great reputation for entrepreneurship and business support. The aim of this competition is to publicise the support available and e-inspire others to start their own business.

“I’ve been genuinely amazed by the support from other businesses and partner organisations who share the same vision.”

Entrants must have set up their business within the last three years and operate within the Staffordshire Moorlands area.

Entries need to be submitted to LSGK Accountants by 5pm on Friday, March 15, 2019.

Shortlisted competitors will be invited to make a 30 minute presentation to the panel consisting of 15 minutes overview and 15 minutes of question and answers.

A winner and runner up will be decided on the day.

The competition has been named Dyer’s Den because Leek has an illustrious heritage of silk weaving dating back to the 17th century with silk dyeing following in the 18th century.

Leek born Sir Thomas Wardle, born 1831, was a pioneer in the art of dyeing, researching and adapting traditional methods from around the globe to fit with the mass production of the industrial age.

Celebrated textile designer, poet, novelist and social activist, William Morris collaborated with Wardle which led to a revival of traditional British textile arts and methods of production.

Judges will be looking for someone with the entrepreneurial flare and the foresight of Wardle and Morris to convince them that they are worthy of the prize.

Full details and entry forms can be found at www.dyersdencompetition. co.uk.