Noel Chadwick Ltd, a family run butchers shop and fine food emporium from Standish, Wigan has won the coveted title of British Small Business Champion 2004.

Managing director, John Chadwick, attended the prestigious national award ceremony at Claridge’s in London, where he was presented with the national title by newscaster and TV presenter Fiona Armstrong. He also picked up the winner's prize of a tailor-made business trip to New York.

In recognition of the achievements of all the small business award contenders, Gordon Brown, Chancellor of the Exchequer, hosted a reception at Number 11 Downing Street, which all the finalists attended before heading off to the awards ceremony.

The awards, now in their third year, were launched by the Federation of Small Businesses, Lloyds TSB, the Daily Mirror and Business in the Community, to highlight and celebrate the contribution small businesses make to the UK economy and to their local community. This year, the ceremony also falls on the eve of National Enterprise Week, 15 - 21 November.

The 2004 Champion, Noel Chadwick Ltd, is an example of a family tradition being handed down through the generations and successfully built upon by the current owner. Starting out with a nationally acclaimed family butchers shop, John Chadwick has expanded the business and introduced a unique concept of "Farm to Fork", proactively promoting the best quality British produce sourced from local farms. Chadwick has also boosted the local economy by increasing its employment levels from 17 to 55 staff. 

On being presented with the third national British Small Business Champion award, John Chadwick said:

"Our business has a strong family ethos, so winning this award gives great recognition to all our staff who work hard to make Chadwick what it is today - a winner."

Michael R Peters, an independent electrical retailing business based in Bedford, was presented with a special Merit award for its commitment to the local community and its exceptional contribution and support to local charities.

John Emmins, judge for the Federation of Small Businesses, said:

"These awards are in recognition of the achievements of Britain's diverse and vibrant small business community. We're now in the third year of choosing champion businesses and the sheer hard work, aptitude and vision demonstrated by all of this year’s finalists have made it a more difficult task than ever."
  
Stephen Pegge, head of communications for Lloyds TSB, said:

"Both companies are shining examples of what make Britain's small businesses so great. The level of care and commitment they give to customers, staff and their community is inspiring. There can only be one overall champion, but I'm certain that Noel Chadwick will be proudly flying the flag for all British enterprises and innovation when they visit New York."

Ends

Notes to editors:

1.      Photographs and profiles available on request.

2.      The 5 other national finalists included: Bedfordshire firm, ALLDUN Property Maintenance Services Ltd, based in Dunstable, The Sussex Sign Company, a family business based in Newhaven, East Sussex, Pace Telecom Ltd, a telecommunications company based in Wrexham, Wales, NITEC Solutions Ltd from Lisburn in Northern Ireland and Farmlay Eggs from Strichen in Scotland.

3.      The 5 national merit award finalists included: Pocklington Montessori School from Pocklington, Escot Ltd, an East Devon rural estate, Rosemount Children’s Centre from Dollar in Scotland, Knock Travel from Belfast and Badgers Café from Llandudno in Wales.

4.      The FSB is Britain's biggest business organisation with 185,000 members.  It exists to protect and promote the interests of the self employed, and all those who run their own business.  More information is at: www.fsb.org.uk.

Contacts:

FSB Chief Spokesman
Stephen Alambritis: 07788422155

FSB Press Office (ISDN available):
David Bishop:  020 7592 8113 / 07740 076848
Daniel Mazliah:  020 7592 8128 / 07717 861605