Tim Campbell, winner of the first series of the BBC’s The Apprentice and founder of The Bright Ideas Trust, is to present the Award for the Best Enterprise Support Professional at the 2008 UK Enterprise Support Awards.  The Awards are hosted by the SFEDI Advisory Board, which sets standards to raise the quality of training and support to prospective and existing small and home business owners.  The presentations take place on Thursday 17 April at BAFTA in London.  Best selling business author Robert Ashton (www.robertashton.co.uk) has been announced as the keynote speaker.  

The Awards highlight excellence among individuals and organisations providing support to the UK’s entrepreneurs and small businesses.  The SFEDI Advisory Board brings together all of the UK’s major national small business membership and training and support providers, including the British Chambers of Commerce, the FSB, the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA), IAB, Lloyds TSB,  Inbiz, IAB, ACCA, Customer First (UK) Kent Enterprise, GoSkills and Lantra.

Tony Robinson OBE, small business owner and executive director of SFEDI, said:  “The Enterprise Support Awards showcase the value provided by the army of valued and trusted supporters of start ups and small business owners across the UK.  These include advisers in chambers, enterprise agencies and private sector support organisations, accountants, book keepers, bank advisers, mentors, trainers and many others. 

“Behind every successful self employed person and business owner, there are often one or two stars who have provided the know how to help them survive and thrive and we want to recognise their expertise and commitment.”

Tim Campbell added:  “It’s always heartening to see entrepreneurial businesses doing well especially in this difficult economic climate.  What most people don’t realise is that advisers and background staff make a business stronger and more capable because you trust these people with your deepest secrets and fears.  I don't think that this can happen unless you've got a good rapport with the individual.  That's why these awards are so important.”  

 “The contribution advisers make to the overall success of UK plc is vital but underrated,” comments George Derbyshire, Vice Chairman of the SFEDI Advisory Board and CEO of the NFEA:   “Those who accept the challenge of supporting themselves, their families and their communities through the skills of enterprise are heroes.  But those who support them are also heroes – but far too often unsung.

“Ensuring that small businesses have access to the most appropriate and effective training and support to give them the very best chance of succeeding in their enterprise is the top priority for all of us involved in this sector.”

Categories include awards for professional advisers, such as accountants, through to volunteer business mentors.  There is also an award for the business owner or entrepreneur who has done most to support other small and home business owners.