Bank confirms 2007 event

The only awards to celebrate the most entrepreneurial small businesses of the UAE

Key sponsors include DHL, Links, Visa, Hertz, 7 Days and Harlequin

Awards Ceremony to be held end of October or early November

Dubai: 2 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 confirmed the second round of the Lloyds TSB Small Business Awards. The awards recognise the most outstanding contributions made to the country by the numerous small businesses established in the UAE.

Following the successful launch of the event last year, the Lloyds TSB Small Business Awards have become one of the most sought after prizes amongst the UAE's business community. The 2007 awards are set to be even more noteworthy with sponsors including DHL, Links, Visa, Hertz and Harlequin, the winner of last year's award for 'Outstanding Customer Service.' 7 Days will be the official media partner.

As last year, awards will be made in various categories such as: Entrepreneurial Start-Up; Outstanding Customer Service; Creative Promotion; Business Growth; Inspirational Leadership. The most prestigious award is the Small Business of the Year Award.

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

"Last year's Lloyds TSB Small Business Awards were an incredible success on so many levels, especially to the short-listed and winning businesses.

I am thrilled to confirm that Lloyds TSB will again be championing the work of the small and medium sized enterprises throughout the UAE by hosting the Lloyds TSB Small Business Awards 2007.

As a bank we meet numerous entrepreneurs and we know just how committed and hard working they are. As last year, the Lloyds TSB Small Business Awards 2007 is their chance to be recognised for their vital contribution to our society."

Businesses based in the UAE that employ less than 50 staff and earn up to AED 25 million in revenue are eligible to apply. The application phase will be opened and communicated shortly. You do not have to be a customer of Lloyds TSB to apply.

The winners will be announced at the business breakfast ceremony towards the end of October or in early November in front of 500 guests.

-Ends-

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