Enterprising Britain Competition

PEER in Rossendale is the 2007 North West Capital of Enterprise winner.

PEER’s prior experience of entering the 2006 Enterprising Britain competition gave them confidence to try again in 2007.
This is a Department of Trade and Industry sponsored competition that seeks to find the most enterprising community in Britain. In May 2007 PEER was chosen as one of three projects from across the North West to go forward to the regional final of this prestigious competition. Ronnie Barker the Chairman and Andy MacNae the Facilitator made the presentation to judges at the Northwest Regional Development Agency office in Warrington. Andy says ‘I felt we had a really strong message but because PEER has so many aspects to it I always worry about how well we can communicate that depth.’
‘Well, we must have muddled through because the next day I found out PEER had won and that Rossendale was to be the NW capital of Enterprise for 2007. With the win came the opportunity to represent the NW in the national final and a prize grant of up to £75,000.

The award was given in recognition of PEER’s invaluable role in turning the economic fortunes of the borough of Rossendale around by encouraging the creation and growth of businesses and social enterprises throughout the area. For details of the competition see http://www.makeyourmark.org.uk/get_involved/enterprising_britain

Commenting on PEER’s victory Mark Hughes, Director of Enterprise Innovation and Skills of the NWDA, said:

“PEER has shown that when communities are engaged, inspired and empowered they can truly drive local economic transformation. PEER has successfully brought together interested members of the community to support local businesses and social enterprises set up and develop and improve the environment where they live and work. We are delighted that PEER will represent the Northwest in this national competition.”

“This region is rightly proud of our strong entrepreneurial spirit and I am sure the entire Northwest will now back our regional winner to be named UK and European Capital of Enterprise.”

The prize grant allows PEER to support more businesses in Rossendale and to add new components to its activities. PEER’s Chairman Ronnie Barker said “As well as the many start up and growth businesses that we support there are also a number of major projects, like the Adrenaline Gateway, that we would like to be able to do more for. We have also heard our clients repeatedly ask for more networking opportunities, where they can meet other businesses and share experiences. We would also like to do more to communicate what PEER does and inspire potential entrepreneurs. This prize grant will allow us to do all that, and so we are very excited about the future’.