Speaking at the launch, Steve Morgan OBE said, “These Awards are very different from most other Awards; not only are there substantial cash prizes, but in line with the ethos of the Morgan Foundation, there are also categories aimed specifically at entrepreneurial charities and organisations that make a social or economic contribution to the region. With Government cut-backs imminent, such organisations are even more important in their local communities and need all the encouragement they can get.

“These Awards really do make a difference to the organisations and individuals who take part. Last year’s winners and runners-up have said that winning has helped them in many ways; from a much needed capital injection into their business to improving staff morale.”

Designed to encourage a whole new generation of entrepreneurial role models, the Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards categories also include Best Young Entrepreneur and Best New Business.

“The Awards attract entries from a diverse range of businesses,” explains Steve. “In the current climate, young entrepreneurs and new businesses will have to be more innovative and entrepreneurial in their approach in order to succeed. I’m sure that this year the standard of entries will be as high as ever.”

John Powell, Relationship Director, Barclays Corporate said, “Barclays is proud to support the Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards for the fourth year running. We continue to support and lend to viable small-to-medium enterprises during these challenging and unprecedented economic conditions. In 2009, we supported over 89,000 businesses in starting-up. This is more than in any year since 2003. Every single one of them aims to be a positive influence on their local community. I hope this year’s entrants and their stories will inspire other budding entrepreneurs, to come forward and turn their own business dreams into a reality.”