Local newspapers across the UK are pledging around £15m of free advertising in a government-backed bid to boost fledgling businesses.
Nearly 500 local titles have signed up for the Local Business Accelerators initiative, being spearheaded by the Newspaper Society.
Dragons’ Den judge, Deborah Meaden is also promoting the idea which will see the industry joins forces to find the UK’s most promising young businesses.
Local winners will receive free advertising in their local papers while one overall national winner will get individual mentoring sessions from Ms Meaden for one year.
Geraldine Allinson, president of the Newspaper Society, said: “The UK needs to grow local businesses like never before, and local businesses need local press.
“No other medium has the power, local knowledge and influence to activate a scheme like Local Business Accelerators. It’s where local newspapers have always made a real difference: by helping to build strong local businesses and encourage thriving communities.”
Serial entrepreneur Ms Meaden said: “I’ve seen the unique contribution that local press makes to the success of local businesses time and again with my own ventures.
“In this age of enterprise it has never been more important to drive awareness about the value of local marketing for a fledgling business, which is why I’m so proud to support Local Business Accelerators and help build thriving and industrious communities.”
Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to the campaign, describing it as an “excellent initiative” aimed at giving practical support to small businesses across the UK.
He said: “In towns and cities across the country, local and regional newspapers are helping to build stronger local communities and contributing to growth by supporting local businesses. They have a major role to play in championing growth.
“The Local Business Accelerators campaign will help provide the boost that our smaller British businesses need right now.
“By joining forces to launch this excellent initiative, local newspapers are demonstrating their commitment and providing exactly the sort of practical, hands-on support that will help young local businesses succeed and grow.
“Those that will benefit from the initiative are the very businesses and entrepreneurs that will help to lead Britain’s recovery.”
For details on how to enter visit www.accelerateme.co.uk
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So what exactly do the ‘plucky’ 500 get out of it? Meaden gets even more free publicity than usual, some livewire business gets a healthy dollop of free advertising, and Boy ‘We’re All In This Together’ Dave gets to push his latest wheeze-of-the-day!
As usual local newspapers are “demonstrating their commitment” and getting damn all in return just like the free advertising we give councils, football clubs, the entertainment industry etc. Show me the £15m advertising revenue coming our way and I’ll delete ‘scepticism’ from the word processor.
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I noticed an advert offering ‘free press advertising’ in the Western Mail this week, which I guess was to promote this scheme.
Unfortunately the print explaining the promotion was way too small to read – which would probably have deterred anyone from advertising and suggested the paper is less than committed to the scheme.
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