New £5,000 contest launches to find a Crewe and Nantwich “Alan Sugar”

The hunt is on to find the next Alan Sugar in a business start-up competition in Crewe and Nantwich.

The idea, backed by South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, targets 18-25 years olds living in a 10-mile radius of Crewe or Nantwich.

And young entrepreneurs have a chance to win a business start-up and mentoring package worth more than £5,000.

Paul Colman, CEO of South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, has backed the idea, as well as local education providers including South Cheshire College, who will host the competition finals.

The overall winner will receive assistance from the mentors to cover the costs associated with company formation, registered office address, accounts, legal advice, insurance, social media, marketing and website, financial advice, Chamber of Commerce membership and more.

It will be judged by six business leaders all passionate about nurturing young talent.

They believe the competition will help inspire budding entrepreneurs to take the next step in turning a dream or part time hobby into a fully fledged business.

Judges (pictured) include Keith Knight, of Alextra Accountants, Jonathan Aldersley, of Butcher and Barlow LLP, Dave Clapp, of County Insurance, Jamie Stewart, of Momentum Factor Europe, Andrew Watts, of Watts Mortgage and Financial, and Claire McLellan, of CLM Associates.

Mr Stewart, the inspiration behind the competition, said: “The team we have put together for this competition offers the winner a fantastic opportunity not just to launch their own business but also to tap into the networks and experience of some very success local business leaders.

“We hope with the support of local media and education providers we can ensure that anyone with a flair for business hears about this exciting competition over the coming weeks.”

The application process will go live on May 1.

Judging will take place at the end of June with finalists pitching their business to the panel in a Dragons Den style event at South Cheshire College.

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