BD 04/07 - 23 April 2007

Pauline Barnett, deputy chief executive of the East London Small Business Centre (ELSBC), is among ten individuals being named today as recipients of the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion.

The Award, introduced for the first time in 2004, recognises the activities of individuals who have played an outstanding and significant role in promoting enterprise skills and attitudes in others in the UK.

Pauline joined ELSBC in 1991 initially as a training consultant and subsequently projects and training manager. Previously she had run her own manufacturing and wholesale company. She was appointed ELSBC’s deputy chief executive in 1998

“Our work at ELSBC in promoting the growth of entrepreneurship across east London is both challenging but always satisfying. The reputation that we have established and the success that we enjoy, however, reflects the huge contribution made by all my colleagues at the Centre over many years. While on a personal level I feel greatly honoured to receive this Award, it really recognises the tremendous commitment and professionalism of the ELSBC team.”

Tim Heath, ELSBC, chief executive said:

“Pauline has great faith and belief in the ability of people to improve the quality of their lives by translating their dreams of starting and running their own business into reality. Her unique blend of honesty, creativity, and understanding of business needs has driven innovative solutions for both our clients and the developments of the Centre.

He continued:

“She has helped so many people by attracting the necessary funds from private sector sponsors and from government which has enabled ELSBC to provide a range business training and related support programmes. This recognition of her exemplary contribution is extremely well deserved and I speak for all the staff at ELSBC in congratulating her.”

ELSBC last year provided business training to more than 700 people in east London more than two thirds of whom were from ethnic minority communities and the Centre’s business counselling team held 4,665 meetings with clients.

Last year the Centre helped more than 400 new businesses to start up - the largest number in a twelve month period since ELSBC was established in 1979. Almost 70 per cent of the new businesses were established in Tower Hamlets and Newham.

ELSBC is one of the country’s oldest established enterprise agencies. The Centre is located at 88-94 Wentworth Street, London E1 and recently opened an office in Barking & Dagenham. It provides business training, finance for new businesses, mentoring support and business incubator premises. Alternatively you can contact us via phone on 020 8911 3737 or e-mail at bdsbc@bdsbc.org.