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| 10 reasons to enter today |
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Invaluable press coverage |
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Boost staff morale |
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Impress potential investors |
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Gain prestige and recognition from peers |
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Network with fellow entrepreneurs |
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Raise your profile |
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Cheer up the bank manager |
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Increase respect from existing customers |
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Help attract high quality
new staff |
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Increase your business growth |
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| Key dates |
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Monday 12th October
Open for entry |
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Friday 22nd January
Entry deadline |
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TBC
Shortlist announced |
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Wednesday 14th April
Fast Growth Business Awards at the London Marriott, Grosvenor Square |
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21st May
Growing Business Magazine FGBA feature issue out |
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| 2008 winners |
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| Financial Director of the Year |
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Name: Jennifer Raines
Job title: Financial Director
Company name: Global Personals
(trading as whitelabeldating.com)
Address: 1 High Street, Windsor,
Berkshire SL4 1LD
Telephone Number: 01753 271 280
Website: www.whitelabeldating.com
Business description: WhiteLabelDating.com, which allows partners to create their own branded dating sites, was initially considered ‘high-risk’ by the banks and merchant service providers. Having proved this was certainly not the case, Raines negotiated a number of payment terms, significantly boosting cashflow. She also recommended paying partners their revenue shares one month earlier, which prompted more than half to spend the free cash on marketing, increasing membership. |
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Judges comments: The judges felt that Jennifer Raines was the accountant who had made the most extraordinary and measurable contribution to a business. Raines was nominated by WhiteLabelDating.com, which says that as a part-time FD she positions herself as an integral part of the management team with vision & commitment and provides value to the business & shareholders every day. Jennifer has been instrumental in the growth of the business and having the right information available to test and challenge perceived “truths” in the business has enabled WhiteLabelDating.com to grow considerably. Jennifer was a key player in increasing the number of partners using the WhiteLabelDating.com model and her restructure of the finances led to a significant amount of cash being freed up which was subsequently used to acquire ServicePals.com. One of the key points for the judges was that throughout the acquisition process Jennifer provided the financial information, expertise and coaching needed to give the directors the confidence to successfully negotiate the deal. |
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