IT’S HERE! The Taunton Business Incentive 2014 has launched, offering businesses large and small across the district the chance to win a superb package of exposure, advice and support for the coming year.

Supported by a raft of established and successful companies representing the key business skills, Taunton Business Incentive 2014 is all about providing opportunities, breaking down barriers, celebrating and supporting the fantastic businesses and entrepreneurs in Taunton Deane and networking.

There are two categories: Turnover up to £100k Turnover from £101k-£1million.

All entrants must be within Taunton Deane.

The initial stage for entries involves a straight-forward questionnaire which in itself is a useful tool to help you evaluate and consider your business.

The prizes THE winner of each category will be crowned Taunton Business Incentive Winner 2014 and will win bespoke marketing with Newsquest SouthWest potentially across all titles and websites worth a total of £1,150, and time and expertise worth £500 from each of Francis Clark, Amicus Law and the Somerset Business Agency.

The team of partners behind the competition is led by promoter Francis Clark, the largest firm of chartered accountants and tax advisers in the South-West.

Partner Martin Lock said: “We are proud to announce details of the second annual Taunton Business Incentive.

“We want to celebrate local talent and local entrepreneurs. This is a competition open to all local businesses.

“They may be sole traders, partnerships or limited companies. They may or may not employ staff.

We are looking for growing, imaginative and enthusiastic enterprises who we can help and whose journey we can follow in the year ahead.

“Please enter, tell your friends and colleagues and be part of the excitement of seeing another local business really taking off.”

The launch event was held at Rumwell Hall, attended by the partners and promoters along with Taunton Deane MP Jeremy Browne.

Jeremy said: “Taunton is a popular town and it is expanding with extra house building. It is essential that the employment prospects for Taunton Deane residents also expand.

“We have low unemployment in Taunton Deane but there are many people who have low-paid jobs and would welcome new work opportunities.

“That means we need to support existing Taunton Deane employers. It also requires Taunton Deane to have an ambitious outlook and for our area to attract new businesses.

“The Taunton Business Initiative is a welcome contribution to the future prosperity of our community. I was delighted to speak at their launch and I wish them every success.”

Meet the TBI team Media promoter: Newsquest South- West – publisher of your County Gazette Promoter: Francis Clark accountants Partners: Santander Amicus Law Somerset Business Agency The Castle at Taunton Carly Press Taunton Deane Council Word Gets Around.