Ipswich-based Where Does It Come From? will by vying with businesses across the country to win an opportunity to receive mentoring from Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden.
The Green 100 firm has been nominated by the EADT to represent businesses in Suffolk in the Local Business Accelerators (LBA), the local media industry’s campaign to celebrate local businesses.
The industry-wide campaign sees local newspapers up and down Britain join the hunt to find the best local businesses and the winner will scoop the LBA national prize of business mentoring from LBA campaign ambassador Deborah Meaden and free local newspaper advertising to take their business to the next level.
A shortlist of finalists will be announced in March and there is an opportunity for a public vote to choose the winning business.
Launched in 2014, Where Does It Come From? is an Ipswich based clothing brand with a difference – its garments are all completely traceable. The concept came from frustration at the waste, harmful chemicals and poorly treated labour in the clothing industry. The business, which became part of the Green 100 last year, offers an alternative to those who are not looking for expensive designer wear but are willing to pay a fair price to get practical, stylish garments that have been made without negative impact on people or planet.
Founder Jo Salter, said of the nomination: I feel really honoured and excited to be nominated – and very grateful to the EADT. It’s wonderful recognition, not just for Where Does It Come From? but for all businesses who are working to make positive change to the world.
Deborah Meaden said: “Since its inception, LBA has consistently demonstrated that local media advertising can accelerate local businesses, energising and invigorating local economies. That is because people trust local news brands more than any other media, and are much more likely to engage with, and act upon, the advertising within them.”
Launching for the first time in 2011 with backing from 500 local papers, LBA has already seen hundreds of businesses accelerated by a combination of free local newspaper advertising and mentoring from business leaders.
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