Dorset businesswoman awards £20k prize in franchise competition

Blending elements of 'The Apprentice' with 'Dragons' Den', Dorset entrepreneur Stephanie Pettitt has given the chance of a lifetime to an aspiring business owner.

The winner of the £20,000 prize, of the complete Equation Accounting franchise package, was selected through a Win Your Own Business competition.

Following an online application process, 32 candidates were whittled down to 6 finalists, who delivered pitches to the judging panel.

The prize franchise went to budding entrepreneur Anna Ward, a second year marketing student from Bournemouth University. Her inspiring and well researched pitch astounded judges with her confidence and in-depth understanding of Equation Accounting’s values and spirit.

Anna will complete a seven week intensive training course in preparation to launch her Equation franchise which will offer the full range of Equation accounting packages and services.

A one year work placement was offered as a surprise second prize to Kajal Bakrania after her impressive, infectious and persuasive pitch to the panel.

Stephanie Pettitt, founder of Equation Accounting, said she ran the competition to combat the “doom and gloom” of the unemployment crisis and get people thinking about starting their own businesses again. Stephanie said “I am on an absolute mission to encourage people to believe in themselves and start their own businesses from their creative ideas.”

The winning prize was presented by multi award-winning licensee and restaurateur< Ali Carter. “Seeing these amazing young people pitch so professionally and confidently in front of a prestigious judging panel and room full of accomplished businessmen and women from all over Dorset was overwhelming” said Ali.

The Equation Team like to give special thanks to all those who took part, in particular the candidates, Special Guest Ali Carter, Judging panel Ian Girling (WSX Enterprise), Karen Rickman (Dorset Chamber), Joanna Davis (The Dorset Echo), Nick Maybour (McDonalds Restaurants), Fabrice M'Pollo (Business Mania Director of Entrepreneurship), Rhyannan Hurst (Bournemouth University) and Clive Ozzard (Business Link).

Stephanie plans to launch a Dorset wide ‘Young Apprentice’ style competition in the summer aimed at young entrepreneurs who aspire to run their own business for a £1,000 cash prize.

You could win your own business

Have you got what it takes to run and grow a business? Would you like the opportunity to find out, and earn an income at the same time?

Dorset entrepreneur, Stephanie Pettitt, is offering a prize worth £20,000, giving the winner a chance to build their own business.

Through a competition which blends elements of The Apprentice and Dragons’ Den, she’s looking to award someone with a franchise in her successful online accountancy business, Equation Accounting.

The winner will benefit from the systems and brand that Stephanie’s spent years building up, and she’ll provide the mentoring they require to get up and running.

“I left home at 16 and had a pretty tough time. I would like to help someone else by giving them an opportunity,” said Stephanie, explaining her reasons for giving away such a huge prize.

Applicants don’t need to have a finance background, as Stephanie will provide all the training they need. What she’s looking for is someone with the passion and flair to make the business succeed.

More information about the competition is available from the Equation Accounting website.

Applications must be made by November 4th, with judging taking place on November 16th, at Bournemouth University.

This is where applicants will have to pitch their plans before a panel of experts. The winner will have to convince the judges that they have the personality, skills, attitude and business acumen required. The prize will be their own business, which could generate an income for life.

If you’re interested in this opportunity, or know someone who might be, take action now. Winning this competition could be a life-changing experience.