REGIONAL and local newspapers across the country have today delivered a huge boost to UK business – by pledging an unprecedented £15m of free advertising to the most dynamic fledgling enterprises.

The bold initiative, backed by Dragons’ Den judge Deborah Meaden, is called Local Business Accelerators (LBA) and is being spearheaded by the voice of local media, the Newspaper Society.

Nearly 500 local press publications, including the Huddersfield Daily Examiner, are joining forces to promote the strength and value of local newspapers for local businesses and communities.

Together, the local press industry will search for the nation’s most promising young businesses and help them accelerate their success with top professional advice from local business mentors, plus a substantial allocation of free advertising space in their local publication.

What’s more, one lucky business picked from the hundreds of regional winners will get individual mentoring sessions from the LBA national ambassador Deborah Meaden who will become a consultant and mentor to the business for one year.

She said: “I’ve seen the unique contribution that local press makes to the success of local businesses time and again with my own ventures.

“It has never been more important to drive awareness about the value of local marketing for a fledgling business, which is why I’m so proud to support LBA and help build thriving and industrious communities.”

This week, the Examiner launches its LBA search.

It’s open to all businesses that are active in the local community, between one and three years old and full of potential. They may have a great idea or product or even found a new market.

They’re the kind of businesses that will create new jobs and individually they will create pride in the community.

If you run such a business or know anyone who does and want the chance to receive invaluable business support and advertising space in the Examiner, visit www.accelerateme.co.uk for more information on the scheme and how to enter. Entries close November 14, 2011.

Key members of the local business community, including Jeremy Garside, managing partner of law firm Chadwick Lawrence, and Huddersfield University Vice-Chancellor Prof Bob Cryan will make up the judging panel and will review and shortlist entries before awarding three local businesses with the prize of free advertising and business advice.

They’ll also be looking out for that one overall star business to put forward to be in with a chance to gain Deborah Meaden as a mentor during 2012.

Newspaper Society president Geraldine Allinson said: “The UK needs to grow local businesses like never before, and local businesses need local press. No other medium has the power, local knowledge and influence to activate a scheme like LBA.

“It’s where local newspapers have always made a real difference: by helping to build strong local businesses and encourage thriving communities.”

PRIME Minister David Cameron today paid tribute to the Local Business Accelerator campaign – describing it as an “excellent initiative” to give practical support to small businesses across the UK.

Mr Cameron said: “In towns and cities across the country, local and regional newspapers are helping to build stronger local communities and contributing to growth by supporting local businesses. They have a major role to play in championing growth.

“I want this to be the most pro-growth Government in living memory. We are cutting red tape, cutting corporation tax, boosting tax relief for investors in start-ups and entrepreneurs, getting the banks to increase lending to small firms and supporting the banks’ £2.5bn Business Growth Fund to back established and growing businesses.

“The Local Business Accelerators campaign will help provide the boost that our smaller British businesses need right now.

“By joining forces to launch this excellent initiative, local newspapers are demonstrating their commitment and providing exactly the sort of practical, hands-on support that will help young local businesses succeed and grow.

“Those that will benefit from the initiative are the very businesses and entrepreneurs that will help to lead Britain’s recovery.

“I want to thank all those involved for taking part in Local Business Accelerators and to wish you every success with this important campaign.”