The BT Business Essence of the Entrepreneur 2008 winners to be announced at the BT Business Essence of the Entrepreneur Rankin Photography exhibition

29th January - 1st March 2009 at the gallery@oxo on London's South Bank

To find out more about the campaign click 'next'

Peter Jones and Rankin join BT Business to Reward Inspiring UK Entrepreneurs

Now in its third year, the BT Business Essence of the Entrepreneur competition celebrates the achievements of small businesses that have demonstrated exceptional dedication and have found new directions to succeed in business with the help of technology.

A panel of judges, headed up by successful business tycoon Peter Jones, have now selected 20 inspiring UK entrepreneurs and the winners have now had the essence of their business captured by renowned photographer Rankin.

In addition to winning the judges have also awarded extra accolades for best female entrepreneur, best male entrepreneur, the young entrepreneur of the year and the most original business concept.

In addition, the top business will be awarded the title of Outstanding Entrepreneur and the prize of a £20,000 business grant from BT. To visualise the success of these entrepreneurs and capture the essence of their business, all 20 winners will also be photographed by famous portrait and fashion photographer Rankin, for a high profile London exhibition to announce the winners in January 2009.

The winners were selected from hundreds of entries, from a diverse range of industries from across the UK. To see the previous winners from the last two years click here.

“The exposure my company has received as a result of the award has been phenomenal and has snowballed into some really major opportunities."
Kerrie Keeling, founder, A Woman’s Touch

“The credibility and increased awareness that comes with winning BT’s Essence of Entrepreneur has been a huge boost for Tots to France. It has given our brand strength and added kudos which undoubtedly helps to differentiate my business in the increasingly competitive family travel market. In addition, it was great fun to be involved with the scheme and has been a fantastic pat on the back for me and my team!”
Wendy Shand, founder and director, Tots to France

“Winning the Essence of the Entrepreneur has opened doors to all kinds of opportunities. The picture was used on the front of the business pages of our regional newspaper and has been the starting point for conversations that have to helped to expand our business to three new areas this year.”
Kate Welch, Chief Executive, Acumen Community Enterprise Development Trust

Growing Business
The BT Business Essence of the Entrepreneur competition has partnered with Growing Business. Click here for more information.

A winner from 2006, Alice Bowe went on to feature in a BT Business advertising campaign. Click here to find out more

The closing date for competition is August 31, 2008. For more information on how to enter the competition please click here.