Opportunity for new entrepreneurs.
HSBC is inviting ambitious West Midlands companies to enter its Global Connections competition, which recognises the UK’s most innovative and forward-thinking businesses.
Now in its fourth year, Global Connections recognises businesses which are achieving excellence in three categories -innovation, international trade and mid-market growth. The competition is founded on the belief that expansion and success for UK businesses is likely to come to those that venture beyond their home territories and take their products and services into the growth markets of the future.
Regional heats will take place across the North and Scotland, the Midlands, South West and Wales, South East and London, with three regional winners being announced per region. These fifteen exceptional companies will then compete for the national titles.
Those companies shortlisted can gain access to lending facilities up to £6 million, linked to a financial reward of up to £120,000 (doubled for the national winners), and the opportunity to take part in an International Exchange – a series of seminars, visits and networking. These exchanges take place in cities around the world selected as growth markets of the coming decades. Previous destinations have included New York, Singapore, Shanghai and Dubai. Most business owners leave with a fresh perspective of international markets and a revitalised vision for their business.
Previous national winners of the competition include Wolverhampton-based toy maker Wow! Stuff, whilst Birmingham’s engineering business Brandauer was a Midlands regional winner last year.
Roy Harris, HSBC Midlands Regional Commercial Director, said: “Through our meetings with business leaders across the region, we know that the West Midlands is home to many entrepreneurial, forward-thinking companies. Our Global Connections initiative seeks to help UK businesses compete at the forefront of both domestic and international trade. Not only can we help through providing funding, but also through introducing them to other entrepreneurial businesses both in the UK and around the world. Once you bring businesses together, you can tangibly see partnerships forming as they share challenges, insights, and find synergies to help each other grow. It is a privilege to facilitate these connections and to help UK businesses achieve success. Trading across borders is not only critical for the future success of businesses in the West Midlands but is also critical to the UK economy.”
Entrants to the competition must be based in the UK, have a turnover of between £2 million and £100 million and have been trading for at least two years. Applications can be submitted now via the http://globalconnections.hsbc.com website. Deadline for entry is December 8th.