Online applications now open on www.sba.ae

Key sponsors include DHL, Hertz, VISA, Royal & SunAlliance, Links Group, 7 Days, Lamprell and The Specialists

Awards Ceremony to be held on 26th November 8am in the Emirates Towers' Godolphin ballroom

Dubai: 27th May 2007: Lloyds TSB Dubai, the only Aaa rated bank in the UAE and part of one of the world's largest banking groups, today announced that the application phase has opened for the second year of the Lloyds TSB Small Business Awards. Businesses can apply online on www.sba.ae.

The Lloyds TSB Small Business Awards ceremony will be held on 26th November in the Godolphin ballroom at Emirates Towers with 500 guests expected to attend this unique morning event.

After the phenomenal success of last year's inaugural Lloyds TSB Small Business Awards, the 2007 event will continue to raise awareness of the importance and significance of small businesses to the UAE economy. As last year, the awards programme will recognise, support and reward entrepreneurs who have developed successful businesses. Any UAE based businesses with up to 50 employees and less than AED 25 million revenue is eligible to apply.

Steve Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Lloyds TSB Group Middle East, said:  

"We are determined to put small businesses at the forefront of the UAE's incredible success story and give the people behind them the recognition they deserve." 

"We are proud that after launching this initiative in 2006 it has already become one of the most prestigious and sought after prizes among UAE entrepreneurs seeking recognition for excellence in their small businesses."

The Lloyds TSB Small Business Awards will include the following categories, each sponsored by a successful company with a substantial influence in the UAE's business community:

  • DHL - Customer Service Award

  • Royal & SunAlliance  - Innovation Award

  • 7 Days - Creative Promotion Award

  • Hertz - Inspirational Leadership Award

  • VISA - Business Growth Award

  • Links Group - Entrepreneurial Start-Up Award

And the overall

  • Lloyds TSB Small Business of the Year Award

They are joined by Event Sponsor, Lamprell and Headline Sponsor The Specialists, along with support sponsors Harlequin Event Services, Oryx Real Estate, Wenham Major, Dubai Duty Free and the British Business Group.

The judging process will be rigorous. Applicants are short-listed and then invited to present to the judges who will then select the eventual winners. The independent judging panel is made up of the CEO's, General Managers or equivalents of the sponsorsing companies. 

Graham Mitchell, Head of Business Banking, Lloyds TSB Group Middle East, adds:  

"I am thrilled by the terrific success of the inaugural awards last year and would like to express my gratitude to our sponsors, judges, participants and the media for their extensive support and belief in such a unique initiative." 

"Last year's event was inspirational. We knew that the UAE had numerous talented entrepreneurs, but we were genuinely astounded at the quality and calibre of the entrants. The passion, talent and enthusiasm on show were incredible and we're now looking forward to equally promising entrants to the 2007 awards."

For further details and online applications please visit www.sba.ae

-Ends-

Notes to Editors:
Lloyds TSB Dubai is a branch of Lloyds TSB Group, one of the world's largest and most respected banking groups. Lloyds TSB employs over 70,000 people in more than 20 countries worldwide. Lloyds TSB has been a leading bank in Dubai for over 30 years and was awarded its banking licence by the UAE Central Bank in 1977.

For more information, please visit www.lloydstsb.ae

For Further Information Please Contact:
John Hobday
FD
Telephone: 04 332 8832
Mobile: 050 464 8706
Email: john.hobday@fd.com

Manash Bhuyan
FD
Telephone: 04 332 8832
Mobile: 050 841 9631
Email: manash.bhuyan@fd.com  

Kirsty MacPherson
Lloyds TSB Bank
Telephone: 04 302 3307
Mobile: 050 456 9442
Email: Kirsty.Macpherson@lloydstsb.ae

Alexandra Lau
Lloyds TSB Bank
Telephone: 04 302 3357
Mobile: 050 640 4502
Email: alexandra.lau@lloydstsb.ae

© Press Release 2007