The companies range from a designer and manufacturer of innovative cycle racks to an e-logistics company, and from a company which designs and develops mobile applications for smart phones and tablet PCs, to a company which makes traditional puddings.
The ten finalists will compete by pitching to a panel of judges to showcase what sets them apart from the competition, and how they will use the grant to accelerate their expansion. The four Business Growth Grant winners will be announced by the end of March.
The HSBC Business Growth Grant competition will be awarding two £50,000 Business Growth Grants for domestic growth, and a further two £50,000 grants that will help the companies develop their overseas trade.
Stephen Price, HSBC’s UK Head of Commercial and Business Banking, who leads the panel of judges, said: “We’ve made it our challenge to seek out and support growing businesses, which will help stimulate economic growth in the UK. The HSBC Business Growth Grant competition has highlighted some fantastic businesses demonstrating ambition and innovation.
The Business Growth Grant finalists for overseas expansion are:
Diamond Dispersions – Manufacturer of high performance ink jet ink
ImageMakers – Designer and creator of visitor experiences for heritage, cultural and tourism sector
KwikScreen – Designer and manufacturer of portable, retractable room dividers
NewsNet Corporation – ‘NetSend’ is an electronic delivery system for invoices
The Great Turf Company – Manufacturer and supplier of natural fertilisers to sports facilities
The Business Growth Grant finalists for domestic expansion are:
Country Puddings – Producer of traditional puddings
CyclePods – Designer and manufacturer of innovative cycle racks
Plant Theatre – Garden product designer and manufacturer, including gifts
Shiply – Logistics company making use of spare lorry capacity.
Toolbox Design – Designs, develops and delivers apps for smartphones and tablets, and other devices
