It’s official: Herefordshire is a centre of enterprise

Herefordshire is in the running to be named Enterprise Capital of Europe after being awarded runner up prize in the 2008 Enterprising Britain awards. The county beat ten other areas across the UK to go through to the finals and become eligible for the European competition.

The Enterprising Britain awards are run on behalf of the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and are designed to recognise the places that have done most to transform the economic fortunes of their local area. Earlier last year Herefordshire was also named Enterprise Capital of the West Midlands.

‘What has been achieved in Herefordshire provides an outstanding example to rural communities across the country in terms of how they can transform their local areas through encouraging enterprise,' said competition judge Polly Gowers. ‘Herefordshire Council have successfully tackled the challenges that face enterprise in many rural areas. They have worked with a network of local groups and organisations to make Herefordshire one of the most exciting places in Britain to live and work.'

The award was all the more special because Herefordshire was up against big cities with big spending projects, said the council's head of economic and community services Natalia Silver.

The council has also launched a home business network to offer advice and networking opportunities to the county's large number of home-based workers, and is looking to hear from anyone running a business from home. Council officer Andy Dawson can offer guidance on everything from how to apply for funding to who to talk to about your plans and where to get training. Contact Andy on 01432 383064 or adawson@herefordshire.gov.uk for more information.