Enterprise UK and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has run Enterprising Britain for the last five years - a competition to find the most enterprising place in the UK – and we’ve found that such places are in abundance.

Last year’s winner was Lowestoft in East Anglia - a shining example of a town that has transformed itself from an area in decline into a breeding ground for business growth.

A few years ago, Lowestoft faced one of the worst periods in its history with the lowest rate of start-up businesses in the region, a failing business community in declining industries and little aspiration amongst its population.  Action needed to be taken to prevent the town descending into complete deprivation.  An enterprise agency, NWES, was created to address these problems by encouraging enterprising activity and self-employment. 

It has been a remarkable success – in the last two years alone NWES has helped to start up over 100 businesses, creating over 200 jobs.  Research conducted by Barclays Bank and the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies has shown that the growth rate of NWES businesses is 25% higher than the national average. By providing a thriving business environment, companies based in the centre have been able to network and innovate together. 

Another example of a community coming together to create enterprise is Enterprising Britain’s 2007 winner Regeneration Zone, which has been instrumental in turning round the economic fortunes of North Staffordshire. 

Over the last 30 years, the area had experienced drastic structural change as decline in its traditional industries resulted in the closure of many factories and businesses and the loss of over 60,000 jobs. By 2003 the area had been branded “the worst place in the country to start a business”. At that point it had the lowest rate of business start-ups and VAT registrations in the country, relatively low levels of self employment, 2,000 businesses short of the national average and 38,000 people out of work.

Leaders from business and the public sector understood that this decline could not remain unchecked, and the North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone was established. Charged with delivering economic regeneration and acting as a catalyst to deliver transformational initiatives, it is made up of a board of 21 directors from the public, private and voluntary sectors.

The project creates solid foundations upon which to develop a new generation of entrepreneurs and so far it has exceeded expectations - creating more than 1,000 new jobs and 500 new businesses in the area since the project began.

Since winning Enterprising Britain, both Lowestoft and North Staffordshire have been placed firmly on the business map attracting new investment, inspiring like-minded organisations and helping to spread best practice with other towns and cities facing similar challenges.

These success stories demonstrate just how important a stimulus enterprise is in delivering social and economic benefit, particularly as we enter the recovery. It’s also tangible evidence of how enterprise works in lifting communities and is an incentive for us all to do more to create an enterprising environment in which everyone can reap the benefits.

Enterprising Britain is free to enter and is open to all organisations that are working in partnership to create an enterprising place.  For more information or to enter, visit www.enterpriseuk.org/enterprisingbritain, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The deadline for entries is 31 May 2010.