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The 2009 National Finalists each received £2,000 worth of computer software from Microsoft - our Awards supporter.
Each category winner also received a Barclays cheque for £5,000.
We also introduced three new Awards categories.
The winners of these three special Awards went on to compete for the top honour, Barclays Trading Places Winner 2009.
But that’s not all!
Our Awards partners have come together to offer everyone who enters, a range of special business support packages:
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We would like to invite you to attend one of Barclays popular Let’s Talk seminars, packed with useful tips to help your business Survive and Thrive.
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An informal business review with a Barclays Local Business Manager to explore how Barclays can help you and your business, which can include access to finance, including the new government lending schemes
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The NFEA will be pleased to arrange a face-to-face consultation with a representative from your nearest enterprise agency – so you can ensure your business isn’t missing out on local opportunities.
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Business Link is offering you the opportunity to meet a local advisor, who has a wealth of experience and an intimate knowledge of what makes small businesses tick.
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If your Trading Places story also involved a disability, you may wish to speak to Leonard Cheshire Disability. They offer a range of benefits, including long distance mentoring and the possibility of financial support to help you buy vital equipment for your business.
Our new Award Categories
Triumph over Disability £5,000 Award
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This award celebrates men and women who have refused to accept that a physical or mental challenge should stand in the way of their dreams of running their own successful business.
People like Barclays Trading Places 2008 finalist Bradley Stewart who was paralysed following a car crash, but now runs a successful mobile discotheque in Scotland.
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Success after Unemployment £5,000 Award
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This award recognises men and women who have transformed their lives by starting a business after having been forced out of work through no fault of their own. For example, this can be because of being made redundant or experiencing long-term unemployment, perhaps even becoming dependent on benefits and losing confidence in their ability to compete in the job market.
This is something Barclays Trading Places 2008 winners Nikki and Kevin Sweet know all about – Kevin was made redundant three times in three years. Now they run their own successful cider-making business in Wales.
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Spirit of Inspiration £5,000 Award
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This award honours men and women who inspire us all with their determination to change their lives for the better by starting a business– for example, following a serious illness or a lengthy fight to overcome drug or alcohol problems. Or even getting back on track after a serious error of judgment.
Like the story of Barclays Trading Places 2007 winner Tracy Mackness, who ended up in prison after a brush with the law. Tracy, worked on the prison farm. She studied pig breeding and, on her release, built up a 200-strong herd, plus her own successful sausage-making business in Essex.
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