MP wants South Ribble's inspiring entrepreneurs to be recognised

She is asking constituents to get in touch if they know an entrepreneur they would like to be put forward for the Entrepreneur Awards supported by Octopus Group’s Springboard initiative, which she helped establish and will be judging.

The pandemic has brought out the very best from our world-leading entrepreneurs in the most challenging conditions.

That is why Octopus Group, the financial services and energy firm, has set up the awards and asked MPs to nominate entrepreneurs in their constituencies who have thrived during this challenging period.

It could be be that they are starting and growing their business against the odds or using their company’s resources and expertise to support their local communities.

These could be the local distillers who shifted production to hand sanitiser, the furloughed worker who made gift boxes to cheer up her colleagues and turned it into a business, or the

teen entrepreneurs designing and making t-shirts.

A former entrepreneur herself before entering Parliament, Ms Fletcher has been involved in helping establish the awards from the outset and was asked to sit on the judging panel

alongside fellow Parliamentarians and entrepreneurs who have trodden the same path as the nominees.

As one of the judges, she wants to recognise as many of these inspiring entrepreneurs in South Ribble as possible - to celebrate their success and hopefully inspire others who may

be considering starting their own business, showing them that it is a viable option for anyone, regardless of background, gender or race.

Ms Fletcher said: “We have a long and proud history of entrepreneurs in South Ribble and across the North West. They are the very lifeblood of our economy and we should all celebrate their talent, their passion, their commitment to our local communities and the brilliant work they do.

"I’m excited to be working with Octopus to recognise our amazing entrepreneurs and would encourage everyone who works with, uses or knows a great local business to get in touch.”

Chris Hulatt, founder of Octopus, said: “Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the economy and during the pandemic many businesses have sprung up and many have pivoted to deal with the extraordinary circumstances.

“As the UK looks to build back better through 2021, these small businesses will be vital to create the jobs that will be needed. The awards are a great way to celebrate local entrepreneurs with their MPs and highlight some of the brilliant work they have been doing.

“As a company that works closely with many entrepreneurs, we’re excited to be able to help recognise some of the brilliant work that is being done across the nation and I very much look

forward to seeing the entries.”

if you know a business founder who you think deserves recognition for their work over the last year, then get in touch with Katherine’s office at [email protected]