BUSINESSES in and around Chester still have the chance to land free advertising through the Standard’s Local Business Accelerators.

The bold initiative, backed by Dragons’ Den judge, Deborah Meaden, is being spearheaded by the voice of local media, the Newspaper Society. Nearly 500 local press publications, including The Chester Standard are joining forces to promote the strength and value of local newspapers for local businesses and communities.

Together, the local press industry will search for the nation’s most promising young businesses and help them accelerate their success with top professional advice from local business mentors plus a substantial allocation of free advertising space in their local publication.

What’s more, one lucky business picked from the hundreds of regional winners will get individual mentoring sessions from the LBA national ambassador Deborah Meaden, who will become a consultant and mentor to the business for one year.

Deborah Meaden said: “I’ve seen the unique contribution that local press makes to the success of local businesses time and again with my own ventures. In this age of enterprise it has never been more important to drive awareness about the value of local marketing for a fledgling business, which is why I’m so proud to support Local Business Accelerators and help build thriving and industrious communities.“

The Chester Standard has launched its Local Business Accelerators search. It’s open to all businesses that are active in the local community, between one and three years old and full of potential. They may have a great idea or product, or even found a new market. They’re the kind of businesses that will create new jobs and individually they will create pride in the community. If you run such a business, or know anyone who does, and want the chance to receive invaluable business support and advertising space in The Chester Standard, visit www.accelerateme.co.uk for more information on the scheme and how to enter. Entries
close 14th November 2011.

Members of the local business community Colin Brew and Gray Presst alongside The Chester Standard’s business editor Gil Lightfoot will form the judging panel and will review and shortlist entries before awarding three lucky local businesses with the prize of free advertising and business advice. They’ll also be looking out for that one overall star business to put forward to be in with a chance to gain Deborah Meaden as a mentor during 2012.

Geraldine Allinson, president of the Newspaper Society, said: “The UK needs to grow local businesses like never before, and local businesses need local press. No other medium has the power, local knowledge and influence to activate a scheme like Local Business Accelerators.“

Gil Lightfoot
Commercial Editor,
NWNMedia
01352 707707 ext: 7955
Email: gil.lightfoot@nwn.co.uk