Countdown to the inaugural Lloyds TSB Dubai Small Business Awards 2006

Currently, short listed entrepreneurs are making case study presentations about their small businesses to an independent panel of judges who will ultimately select the winners of the six different categories.

Recently, DU Telecom has joined as 'Headline Sponsor' and extended its support to these unique awards along with Dubai Duty Free as 'Event Sponsor' of the awards ceremony. Other existing corporate sponsors include Axa Insurance, Dubai Eye 103.8, i-mate, Emirates Today, Links Group, Allied Pickfords, ExpatWoman.Com, James Berry & Associates and the British Business Group.

Launched on 30th July 2006, the first annual Lloyds TSB Small Business Awards will recognise and reward the brightest entrepreneurs whose small businesses have made outstanding contributions to the UAE's success, economy and development.

Giles Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer of Lloyds TSB Group Middle East, commented:

"It has been a fantastic journey so far for the Lloyds TSB Small Business Awards and we are immensely pleased by the interest and response towards this unique initiative. We are hugely encouraged by the number of businesses that have applied and are thrilled to know more about these pioneering individuals and their small businesses".

The Lloyds TSB Small Awards 2006 will include categories such as 'Entrepreneurial Start-Up', 'Outstanding Customer Service', 'Advertising Impact', 'Corporate Social Responsibility', 'Inspirational Leadership' and the overall 'Small Business of the Year' Award.