Tycoons give their top tips to launch Barclays Trading Places Awards

This week, Britain’s most famous entrepreneurs including Sir Richard Branson, Simon Woodroffe, Bernie Ecclestone and Sir Terence Conran share their top tips for success to help launch the Barclays Trading Places Awards.

The financial awards (http://www.barclays.co.uk/tradingplaces ) backed by The Prince’s Trust, Business Link and Jobcentre Plus, celebrate people who have triumphed against the odds to set up a successful business.

The cream of British business talent was asked to give a golden nugget of advice they had learnt themselves whilst building up some of the world’s most successful companies:

- Self-made millionaire Dame Anita Roddick advises: “Don’t ask your family for money, don’t employ management consultants, don’t deny yourself a wage, don’t deny yourself a life either. Be brave, daring and different”

- Sir Richard Branson claims a successful business is all down to its staff: “Nothing ventured – nothing gained! A business is its people – nothing else. Look after them and the business will flourish”

- Martha Lane Fox, co-founder of Lastminute.com recommends recruiting wisely: “Always hire people better than you, it keeps you on your toes and makes things happen.”

- Former Rolling Stone turned restaurateur Bill Wyman simply says: “If you never try – you’ll never succeed.”

- Billionaire Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone said: “Working hard takes calculated risks, think what you are trying to achieve before you start.”

- Whilst Pop Idol judge Pete Waterman, whose hobby is vintage steam trains, takes inspiration from ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ with his favourite quote: “I think I can! I think I can!”

Barclays’ Marketing Director for Local Business, John Davis, said: “Trading Places (http://www.barclays.co.uk/tradingplaces ) is a celebration of unsung heroes who, in spite of great personal challenges, have taken steps to establish a sustainable business and in doing so changed the direction of their lives for the better.

“Barclays Trading Places celebrates the inspiring achievement of these individuals whilst highlighting an increasingly important sector of the business community – the sole traders and small business operations that underpin our economy.”

The judging panel includes Ian King, Business Editor of The Sun, senior representatives from The Prince’s Trust, Business Link and Jobcentre Plus - and they are joined by entrepreneurs Michelle Mone, founder of Ultimo and MJM International, and John Bird, founder of the Big Issue, as special guest judges for the 2006 Awards.

The 10 National Finalists will all attend a glittering gala Awards Dinner at London’s Café Royal on Wednesday September 27, where the top business will be announced.

The ‘Gold’ first prize is £5,000 cash from Barclays, £7,000 worth of directory advertising from Thomson Local Directories plus £2,000 of consultancy from marketing communications agency Foxmurphy. A ‘Silver’ Runner-Up will also receive £3,000 cash from Barclays, plus £3,000 worth of directory advertising from Thomson Local Directories and £1,000 worth of marketing consultancy from Foxmurphy.

Barclays (http://www.barclays.co.uk ) and the Awards’ partners are now inviting people to share their business start-up experiences – good and bad – as an inspiration to others.
Individuals must have been trading for a minimum of three months and no more than three years, with an annual turnover of less than £1million.

Nomination forms are available by calling the awards hotline on
020 8673 2020 or visiting Barclays Trading Places Awards (http://www.barclays.co.uk/tradingplaces )
Closing date is Friday May 26.

For further information:
Jo Oliver or Amy Hemburrow
Aspect Communications
0208 673 2020/07798 823687
Jo@comms.aspectgroup.co.uk