'Think 3e' crowned most enterprising place in region
Think 3e, based in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, has won the East Midlands Enterprising Britain final, after going head to head with five other finalists from across the region in the 2010 Enterprising Britain Competition. Think 3e is a social enterprise providing innovative recycling solutions for organisations such as The Sun newspaper, B&Q, Superdrug, Sony, Nissan and the John Lewis Partnership. They will now enter the national round and compete with 11 other regions.
Commenting on the success of Think 3e judge Stan Crawford said: "The high calibre of this year's entrants is testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that is alive and well within the East Midlands. We were very impressed by the story of how Think 3e addressed practical issues across the Wellingborough community."
The Think 3e applicants gave an impressive presentation focusing on the green /carbon footprint agenda and were commended by the panel for "creating jobs for those most disadvantaged in the labour market, including those with no qualifications, learning difficulties and convictions, whilst allowing businesses to fulfil their corporate social responsibilities and benefitting the local community at large".
The judges awarded Think 3e the prestigious regional prize for demonstrating a unique approach to fostering entrepreneurship, which they felt embodied the enterprising spirit of the competition and would inspire other people.
The judging panel consisted of: Stan Crawford OBE, Chief Executive of Sherwood Energy Village, 2005 national Enterprising Britain winner and East Midlands Development Agency (emda) board member; and Amanda Woolley, Business Editor for Business East Midlands and Property East Midlands magazines.
Think 3e was up against strong competition from across the region including:
Local Enterprise Organisation, Nottinghamshire: A partnership between Ashfield, Bolsover and Mansfield, promoting enterprise and increasing business support and employment opportunities in disadvantaged neighbourhoods across the LEO area.
The Genesis Enterprise Foundation, Derbyshire: began life as a charity, developed into a family entertainment centre, business incubation units, a conference centre and most recently Genesis Dental Care, a new social enterprise with 15 practices turning over more than £7 million a year.
The University of Lincoln, Lincolnshire: A partnership between the University and Lincolnshire County and City councils to develop a city centre master plan. Providing business incubation spaces and an impressive output of enterprising activity from the University.
The Uppingham First Partnership, Rutland: A community partnership promoting social inclusion and the development of a community plan to ensure sustainability.
The Pera Foundation, Leicestershire: A private company providing enterprise opportunities to 14-30 year olds on the fringes of society.
Think 3e will now go up against 11 other finalists from across the UK, all eager to take the prestigious national Enterprising Britain 2010 crown. The overall winner will then go on to represent the UK at the European Enterprise Awards next year. This is a great opportunity for the East Midlands to build on its success as a 2005 national Enterprising Britain winner and stand out as an enterprise hotspot both in the UK and across Europe.
In its sixth year, the nationwide competition rewards places that have tackled the economic downturn head on and are successfully creating jobs, boosting local business and nurturing entrepreneurial talent as the UK emerges from recession.
Source
East Midlands Development Agency
Posted : 27th July 2010
