The hunt for outstanding new businesses and budding entrepreneurs in the Staffordshire Moorlands is on as a start-up business competition launches for its fourth year.

The Dyer’s Den competition rewards a deserving business or entrepreneur, trading for three years or less, with a first prize worth £3500 in cash and benefits with cash prizes for the runners up.

The competition is the idea of Jed Eatough, director of Leek based LSGK Accountants Ltd. It is sponsored by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Staffordshire Moorlands Chamber of Commerce, Tinsdills Solicitors, The Capture Factory, Cathy Bower Photography, LSGK Accountants, Churnet Sound Radio and Mark Brammar Associates.

Jed said: “As an accountant part of my job is to give advice and encouragement to many businesses, to make sure they survive the crucial first year’s trading.

“The Dyer’s den competition is a natural extension of this, and it is a great platform for start-up business owners to showcase their talents and gain publicity.

“The prize package, with a mix of cash, benefits and expert advice, is invaluable to any growing business and offers a fast-track to growth.

“When we get to the judging process, we will be looking for businesses with innovative ideas and sound business plans to back this up.

“Once again I am extremely grateful to the sponsors for their generous support and their help in the judging process.”

The £3500 prize for the winner comprises £750 in cash, membership of the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, photography, 12 months radio advertising, a website MOT and financial and legal, marketing advice and mentoring from LSGK and Tinsdills.

The runner-up and third prize winners will receive £500 and £250 respectively.

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is also hosting a free workshop to every competition entrant on ‘How to Promote your Business’ on 14th October before the closing date of 31st October.
Full details on the entry process, prizes and terms and conditions visit: www.dyersdencompetition.co.uk

Photo: Sponsors and previous winners, Richard Dodd, The Capture Factory, Sandra Nixon, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Jed Eatough, Tracey Clarke, runner up 2021, Emma Northcott, winner 2021, Joe Pointon, Churnet Sound Radio, Cllr Keith Flunder, SMDC. Photo: Mark Brammar