More Local Business Accelerators Winners Revealed

More Local Business Accelerators winners from a diverse range of sectors have been announced by local and regional newspapers across the UK.

Innovative businesses to have won a free advertising campaign in their local paper include a bicycle recycling firm and the designer of a device which cuts car fuel consumption by up to a half.

The Morpeth Herald’s LBA winner was a canine hydrotherapy centre which helps injured dogs while the Staffordshire Newsletter’s winners included a supplier of specialist mirrors for training purposes.

The Hertfordshire Mercury’s panel awarded their LBA crown to a firm that creates energy-saving lights and lighting solutions for local businesses, while the Cambridge News’ prize went to a company that created a 'roll-fold' rucksack allowing cyclists to transport their suits crease-free.

One of the Birmingham Mail’s mentors was Richard Butler, regional director for the CBI. He said: “It was a pleasure to be representing the CBI in the competition judging process.

 “I was impressed by the commitment and energy of the competition entrants, as well as the entrepreneurial talent evident even in the most fledgling of start-up businesses. I wish all of the entrants success with their business endeavours.”

The Mail’s sister title the Birmingham Post selected a  recruitment firm, a business that makes Sri Lankan cooking sauces, and an event management company that specialises in bringing academics and businesses together.

The Newmarket Journal’s LBA award went to a motor trade company that specialises in resurfacing brake discs to avoid them being completely replaced while the Diss Express rewarded a local café.

A physiotherapy business won the Rutland and Stamford Mercury’s LBA prize while a translation centre scooped the Boston Standard’s top gong. The winner of the Bury Free Press’ initiative was an auction house

A retailer of leather handbags, a recruitment firm and a furniture polishing service were the Swindon Advertiser’s LBA winners, while the Haverhill Echo rewarded a cake and pastries business.  

A company which trains young tennis players, a firm which recycles bikes, a fledgling brewery, and a specialist childcare agency were among the Eastbourne Herald’s six winners.

A stately home received the Grantham Journal’s prize while the St Helen’s Star's LBA award went to a supplier of sports supplements and protein shakes.  The Lynn News rewarded an underwear retailer, a children’s shoes company and a renewable entry firm and the Selby Times rewarded an engraving firm.

The Mansfield Chad rewarded a project which helps to turn around the lives of people - including ex-offenders, the unemployed and those with mental and physical health problems - through horticulture. The Newbury Weekly News’ top three were a bridal boutique, a photographer and a security services firm.

The Buxton Advertiser rewarded a music shop, cycle hire shop and a chip shop with environmentally friendly policies. The Lutterworth Mail’s chosen three were a cafe, conservatory constructor and a homeworking alliance.    

An electrical recycling and hazardous waste specialist, technology group, and a food supplier won the Western Mail’s LBA prize while the designer of a device which cuts cars’ fuel consumption, a bakery and a shop selling reconditioned golf trollies were the Wokingham Times’ top three.