Derek Browne joined fellow panellists and finalists at the annual HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards 2009 held at the Intercontinental Hotel in London last Monday. The ceremony was addressed by Secretary of State for Business and Innovation, Lord Peter Mandleson who told the attendees that Britain’s prosperity depended on the entrepreneurial spirit shown by the finalists shortlisted for this years awards.

All the shortlisted finalists were given an award recognising their impressive achievement and entrepreneurial spirit shown through setting up a business from scratch. The ceremony culminated in the announcement of this years Start-Up Star for 2009.

The award went to UK Foodhall and its Founder Karen McQuade who was presented with a cheque for £25,000 in prize money and £5,000 worth of Google advertising to help promote her business. UK Foodhall supports British farmers by selling only Assured Meat and is now the biggest supplier of meat to local education authorities in the UK .

The EiA is proud to be a part of these awards yet again, and feel that such events are important for recognising the entrepreneurial spirit alive in the UK. Even within the midst of the worst economic recession since the 1930s, the awards ceremony were testament to our belief that with an entrepreneurial spirit, and good application of business skills, individuals and new start-up businesses can succeed and prosper

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