It's good to be back!

I am delighted therefore that we are here again for the 2004 Small Business of the Year Award.

The 2003 awards was a fiercely-fought competition and we were overwhelmed with the volume and quality of the entries. This made it very hard for us to do the judging!

All the applicants in this award category added their own value to our regional economy in many different ways and forms.

Within the Evening Press circulation area, we have a team of 13 Natwest business managers looking after many of the region's business customers.

With free face-to-face advice from my dedicated business managers we are always looking to help our customers succeed and take forward their ambitions and dreams.

We have an extremely experienced team, many of whom have been in their roles for four or more years. They know and appreciate the risks our business customers face. Equally we understand just how difficult running your own business can be and how you need the right help and support to achieve your goals.

All my business managers are reachable directly on the phone.

They undertake regular free business reviews with their customers. By looking at your current plans and listening to your future objectives it is then vastly rewarding to see them help you with tailored solutions - whether we are lending more money for growth or property purchase, or simply saving you money.

I always find it immensely satisfying when I receive feedback from our customers highlighting the added value my team bring to their business.

With the broadening of the competition over the years, this award category has always maintained its significance as evidenced by the sheer volume of applications it receives from all the quality businesses out there.

We therefore look forward to receiving your entries again this year - and celebrating the contribution you make to our region.

Updated: 09:55 Tuesday, June 01, 2004