BUSINESS Secretary Vince Cable has backed an EADT initiative to identify and track Suffolk’s most pioneering and innovative up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

Dr Cable – who has been the government’s champion for entrepreneurship – said the Future 50 campaign shone a light on emerging talent, giving them a platform to shout about their success.

“We should be doing all we can to encourage people to develop their enterprise ambitions and not be deterred because of the challenging economic climate,” he said.

“Small and medium-sized enterprises make a vital contribution to our economy. This is why government remains committed to ensuring that they have the right environment to develop and grow by cutting red tape and offering easier access to finance.”

He added: “The Future 50 campaign, and also the Government’s own Make it in Great Britain 30 under 30, shine a light on emerging talent and give them a platform to shout about their success, which will help inspire a new generation of industry leaders.”

The EADT Future 50 is backed by business advice organisation NWES, law firm Birketts, accountants Lovewell Blake, private bank Coutts and City College, Norwich.

Besides news coverage of their success, Future 50 members will have the chance to pick the brains of some of the region’s leading business development experts and to attend a series of key networking events, as well as being invited to stay in touch through a dedicated Future 50 Linkedin group.

To nominate yourself or your business, or to nominate a company you think should be part of the Future 50, simply go to the dedicated website ? www.eadt.co.uk/future50 ? and follow the instructions.

Judges will be looking for a track record of rapid growth, or the potential to achieve it, a belief in the success of the business, an appetite for risk, and a venture that has made an impact on its marketplace, or has the potential to do so, in the eastern region and beyond.