Thrive with the KOS Media £1m Business Challenge
Thrive not just survive - that's the message as a huge blast of fresh air blew through Kent's business scene this week when KOS Media's £1 million challenge swept away some of the gloom over the local economy.
The award-winning publisher of Kent on Sunday, the Saturday Observer and the Yourlocal midweek papers has launched the Kent Business Challenge 2009 to show the positive role the media can play in difficult economic times.
The bumper package of advertising, marketing and PR up for grabs has got the thumbs-up from across the business and charity sectors in the county. KOS Media's managing director Paul Stannard said: "We have received hundreds of emails of support from across the spectrum and it has been uplifting to see so much enthusiasm for our initiative.
"Clearly Kent has some great organisations and requests for applications have flooded our email inbox, along with offers of sponsorship from far and wide. It is our belief that with this amount of enthusiasm and passion, Kent is well placed to thrive not just survive."
Kent County Council deputy leader Cllr Alex King said: "We welcome support from every quarter for Kent business at this difficult time."
And Cllr Roger Truelove, Labour's shadow spokesman for regeneration, said: "I welcome KOS Media's initiative in promoting Kent business by injecting up to £1 million of advertising, marketing and public relations revenues into applicant businesses, local authorities and charities. This will help stimulate business and put a high premium on innovation and enterprise."
Andrew Aves, regional organiser of the Kent and Medway branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "Take an opportunity to fight the recession. This is a great chance to finance profile-raising of your business, products and services."
KOS Media business consultant Richard Parsons, who is also an adviser to Locate in Kent, said: "At last we have an awards event that adds real value to the winners - value that will last throughout the year and beyond. Value that is not only reflected by the kudos of winning but also offers the opportunity for a substantial and tangible marketing and PR package.
"There has been a call within the county for a change to the typical awards programmes that have been developed in recent years.
"The credit crisis and downturn give us the opportunity to present businesses and organisations with a real platform to market themselves effectively. Businesses from all over the Kent economy are encouraged to enter. They can shout from the rooftops their key messages and ensure well-rounded brand development and profile."
Frazer Thompson, chairman of the Institute of Directors' Kent branch and boss of Chapel Down Winery at Tenterden, said: "At a time when many companies will be thinking of cutting their marketing, smarter businesses will see the recession as an opportunity to grow organically by taking customers and share from competitors through better-value marketing.
"Those companies that are more forward thinking and confident about their business plans will be entering these exciting awards."
There are 10 categories offering a chance to win to everyone from charities, public sector organisations, new businesses and tourist industries, to individuals who want to nominate their employer, companies working hard to motivate staff, retailers, those specialising in customer service, and firms committed to staff development.
All applicants must be based in Kent. For an entry pack, email businesschallenge2009@kosmedia.co.uk.
Source: Kentnews.co.uk
