A COMPETITION to encourage entrepreneurs has been launched.

Officials from Durham Markets Company and Durham City Area Action Partnership gathered in the city’s Market Place for the launch of Stepping Up Durham 2011 yesterday. (fri) It offers entrepreneurs from across the county the chance to get their new retail initiatives off the ground.

Financial business support is made available along with free use of a stall at the Saturday Outdoor Retail Market in the City of Durham’s Market Place for four weeks in a row.

Colin Wilkes, managing director of Durham Markets Company said: "The first ever Stepping Up initiative in 2010 proved a tremendous success.

"We received a huge number of entries to take part and the standard was hugely encouraging.

"We are very pleased to be offering an opportunity once again for even more traders to get their businesses off to a flying start."

The winners of the last series, Butterfly Barn, were presented with a £250 cheque, an engraved glass trophy, a promotional banner for their stall, and use of a stall.

Anyone with an innovative business idea that they would like to get off the ground, or who has been in business for less than six months, is invited to apply.

Stuart Thompson, chairman of the Durham City Centre Sub Group, said: "The AAP is proud to support partners such as Durham Markets Company in providing an opportunity to help prospective local entrepreneurs take their first steps."

The application form and terms and conditions can all be obtained from www.durhammarkets.co.uk.

For further information contact Colin Wilkes at Durham Markets Company, tel. 0191 384 6153 or e-mail colin@durhammarkets.co.uk