A competition for start-up entrepreneurs in Staffordshire Moorlands is ready to launch for the second year running.

Dyer’s Den is again looking to reward a deserving business or entrepreneur with a prize worth £5000 in cash and business services.

The exciting competition is the idea of Jed Eatough, director of Leek based LSGK Accountants Ltd and is sponsored by partners Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Staffordshire Moorlands Chamber of Commerce, Tinsdills Solicitors, Yellow Circle Web Solutions, Moorland Contract Group, Cathy Bower Photography and Mark Brammar Associates.

The competition is 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, photography and a website package. There will also be a £250 cash prize for the runner up.

Jed Eatough said: “We got off to a great start with the competition last year and with more time to promote next year’s final we are hoping for lots of entries.

“Staffordshire Moorlands has a great reputation for entrepreneurship and business support and the aim of this competition is to publicise the support available and inspire potential business owners to take the plunge and start their own business.

“This vision is shared by all of our sponsors and supporters who make it all possible through a great team effort.”

The 2019 winners were Flying High Outdoor Nursery. Set up by child minders Kirsty Nelson and Debbie Wood, its aim is to introduce pre-school children to the outdoors through play-based activities. The runners-up were leek based Scrumbles Cake Shop

Entrants must have set up their business within last three years and operate within the Staffordshire Moorlands area. Entries need to be submitted by 5pm on Friday 28 February 2020.

The final will take place in March 2020 and short-listed 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.

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

Photo: Dyer’s Den judges; Kate Hewitt, Yellow Circle Web Solutions; Cllr Michael Bowen, SMDC, Jed Eatough and Rebecca Gwynn, Tinsdills Solicitors. Photo: Cathy Bower