A competition for start-up entrepreneurs in Staffordshire Moorlands is now launching with a bigger prize package and a new image makeover following a delay due to the pandemic.

The Dyer's Den competition, which first took place in 2019, rewards a deserving business or entrepreneur, trading for three years or less, with a first prize worth £6,000 and a runner-up prize worth over £2,000 in cash and business services.

The competition is the idea of Jed Eatough, director of Leek based LSGK Accountants Ltd. It is sponsored by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Staffordshire Moorlands Chamber of Commerce, Tinsdills Solicitors, The Capture Factory, Moorland Contract Group, Cathy Bower Photography, LSGK Accountants and Mark Brammar Associates.

Eatough said: "We had planned to launch in February and judge in April but with the ongoing lockdown we felt it was only right to delay the launch to later in the year.

"As an accountant and a small business owner I am acutely aware of the effect the pandemic has had on business. However, it was the view of all the supporters and sponsors that the competition was important because it highlights the resilience of small businesses, and it will provide a positive boost to celebrate this spirit later in the year.

"The extra time we have had to plan has given us the opportunity to rebrand, build a brand-new competition website and improve the prize package for the winner and runner up.

"When we get to the judging process, we will be looking for innovative and original businesses and ways in which a business may have 'pivoted' to adapt to the new business landscape.

"I am extremely grateful to the sponsors for their generous support and to Alleyne Parry for the branding and the Capture Factory for the new website."

The prizes are made up of £750 in cash, financial and legal advice packages, membership of the Chamber of Commerce, photography, a website, and mentoring for the winner, and cash, photography, a website review and mentoring for the runner-up.

Full details on the entry process, prizes and terms and conditions click here.