Paul McLaughlin, founder of Cambridge business, The Libra Company, has beaten hundreds of small businesses to be shortlisted in the national Nectar Business Small Business Awards 2014. The Libra Company is just four weeks away from finding out if it will win the Small Business of the Year category, which is judged by a panel of experts including leading businesswoman and star of BBC1’s The Apprentice, Karren Brady CBE.
The Awards celebrate the achievements of hard working small businesses and business people across the UK. If successful, Paul McLaughlin will win £2000 cash, 50,000 Nectar points and the prestigious title. What’s more, Paul will be invited to the Nectar Business Round Table event, which will take place in September, where he will meet and receive business advice from judge, Karren Brady.
The Libra Company is a designer, importer and wholesaler provider of one of the most diverse collections of interior design accessories, homeware, giftware, lighting, furniture and wall decor in Europe. Its strengths lie in its core values – quality, innovation and service.
Paul McLaughlin commented: “Libra was the result of a road trip to India! Four decades on, the family owned business now designs and stocks more than 1200 products from around the world and is proud to serve some of the most prestigious names in retail.
"Being shortlisted in the Nectar Business Small Business Awards is a great honour and will give the whole team here such a boost. We recently had a client event that was a huge success and would love to be able to host another one. Although the event was aimed at strengthening the relationships with our customers, it’s also helped to cement the bond within our own team, something I’m really proud of. The £2000 prize money and 50,000 Nectar points will enable us to do this, and will help us on our journey to expand the business, whilst retaining our loyal customers and staff.
"Attending the round table and being able to get first hand advice from the likes of Karren Brady about my business would be really valuable in taking us to the next level.“
The Libra Company will now be judged by a panel of business experts, including Karren Brady, Will Shuckburgh, Managing Director of Nectar, Nathan Palmer of BOC, Richard Carvell of Viking and 2013 winner and founder of Goody Good Stuff, Melissa Burton.
