The New Enterprise Allowance Business Awards - showcasing thriving start-ups

Since the New Enterprise Allowance scheme launched in the autumn of 2011, more than 50,000 businesses across the UK have been helped thanks to the Government initiative.

The Brighton Chamber has been working with the Let’s Do Business Group(LDBG) to help recruit mentors and Brighton & Hove accounted for a quarter of the 3,500 people accepted onto the scheme in Surrey and Sussex. 

As a result of the initiative there has been 430 business starts confirmed to date in Brighton & Hove. 

Three years on, New Enterprise Allowance businesses are flourishing and a recent awards ceremony organised by the Let’s Do Business Group recognised their success.

The awards brought together clients, mentors and supporters of the scheme to celebrate the great achievements of these entrepreneurial business men and women. 

Mentor and Chamber member, Carol Lewis from Bainbridge Lewis presented the awards and had this to say;

“Having mentored five people through the NEA scheme it was very rewarding to be able to attend this event and hear about the amazing success stories plus the great achievements made by the Lets do Business group. I met some great new entrepreneurs and was very honoured to be able to give out one of the awards. It was also interesting to hear about the funding available to new businesses from the Start Up Loan Company which I hadn't heard of before.” 

The results

Most Unusual Business

Winner: Sue Tweedy, Cuff Clip Bag
A long and hard fought journey, Sue and her business partner have developed, manufactured and brought to market anti-theft and slash resistant beach, travel bags and rucksacks.

Most Improved Business

Winner: Alastair Stott, The Original Car Spa Ltd
From humble beginnings as a car wash service, Alastair grew his business into a valeting service and now a franchise. He employs 8 staff and has a strong a strong corporate social responsibility ethic.

Best Customer Service

Winner: Elise Ciampaglia, Florescence
With a flexible, immensely personal and dedicated bespoke service it is no surprise Elise has maintained 100% customer satisfaction.

Mentor who made a significant difference to a business

Winner: John Hall
John’s non-judgemental, collaborative and supportive approach has made a huge difference to countless businesses.

Most inspirational mentor

Winner: David Spouncer
Wisdom, commitment and heart are three words that sum up David up very well. A naturally generous person, with strong business credentials and knowledge, his commitment and support have gone above and beyond the expected level.  Truly inspirational.

Kaye Crittell, New Enterprise Allowance Project Manager at LDBG, said:

“It’s an overused phrase, but it’s truly inspirational to see how successful the businesses we’ve supported through the scheme have become. It’s testament to the thought and dedication that goes into providing support and mentoring – and a lot of hard work on everyone’s part!”

If you’re interested in being a mentor to a start-up business and would like to find out more, contact Abby. 

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk