Stonehaven & Mearns Disappointing

Entries for the Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise from Stonehaven and The Mearns areas are disappointingly low this year according to organisers of the awards against a backdrop of rising numbers of entries overall. Companies in the area represent only 6% of the 2005 entries to date. Whilst entries from the Peterhead and Fraserburgh area account for a quarter of all entries received to date. The awards recognise business achievement in the north east of Scotland for companies of all sizes and are sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland and Business Gateway. The awards are organised by Enterprise North East Trust (Enterprise).

"There are so many progressive and dynamic companies in the area and we’re slightly disappointed that entries from the area are so low to date compared with overall entries," says Chris Travis, chief executive of Enterprise. "The number of entries this year is excellent and we’d encourage more companies from Stonehaven and The Mearns to enter. Prizes in each category range from £3000 to £5000 along with the much coveted Enterprise trophy."

Amongst the Mearns companies which have entered so far are:

• Harmony Health and Beauty Salon in Stonehaven in the Young Business Category
• LSL Driving School of St Cyrus in the New Start category

The deadline for applications is 18^th February 2005 and the shortlist of finalists will be announced in April and the awards ceremony will take place in June at Ardoe House Hotel by Aberdeen.

Application forms are available at www.enetrust.com, from branches of the Royal Bank of Scotland and by calling Enterprise North East Trust on 01467 672500.

Ends

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