UK’s Small Biz ‘Stars’ Honoured - 6 October 2005
Hot on the heels of London’s newly unveiled ‘Avenue of Stars’, comes a new hall of fame, created by Yell and revealed today to launch its annual search for the UK’s Best Business Name.From Colin Farrell Plumbing in Yelverton, Devon, to Maggie Smith’s Driving School in Colchester, Essex, Yell’s very own ‘Business Star Boulevard’ map plots 46 silver screen namesakes listed within its Yellow Pages directories, Yell.com and Yellow Pages 118 24 7.
These celebrity namesakes illustrate one of the means by which UK businesses strive to achieve stand out. Yell is for the third year running looking to honour the UK's most creative and ingenious business spirits with the launch of this year's Best Business Names competition. Previous winners include Cornish landscaper The Lawnranger and Bristol-based ironing and laundry business, Crease Lightning.
Ritchie Motor Company, a used car dealership in Newcastle, would no doubt have been more than wiling to provide the getaway cars for Guy’s new gangster flick Revolver. It’s a pity the Queen of Pop didn’t pay a visit to Madonna the Bournemouth clairvoyant however, or she might have foreseen her recent riding accident.
Mike Palin Autos in Crewe, Cheshire, could provide the perfect start to a round the world adventure, or courtesy of Roger Moore Bespoke Kitchens in Northwich, Cheshire, you could have a licence to…bake cakes. Trouble with your pipes? Get satisfaction with M Jagger, the Bradford plumber.
Alex Ferguson Recovery in Dunfermline, Fife, might not be able to help the ailing fortunes of Manchester United, but could certainly come to the rescue if the team bus breaks down. ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ film star Keira could call on the services of Knightley Cars in Daventry, Northamptonshire, to ferry her to her next red carpet appearance. And James Nesbitt, star of Yell’s TV ads, risks accusations of moonlighting in County Antrim, home to James Nesbitt the Joinery Manufacturer.
Richard Duggleby, head of external relations at Yell said: “From companies with a celebrity connection to the start ups that have dreamed up their own quirky name, our products showcase the wit and ingenuity of the UK’s small businesses. Our annual Best Business Names competition sets out to celebrate their creative talents.”
To nominate a business for Yell’s Best Business Names competition, email bestnames@redconsultancy.com or call 0845 070 7612. Thirteen regional winners will receive £500 and the overall winner gets £5000. The person who nominates the winning business will receive a £250 John Lewis voucher. For the first time Yell are also inviting consumers and businesses to vote for the quirkiest or most creative business web address. The award is open to any business, not just a dedicated online business and one national winner will receive a £250 John Lewis voucher.
Last year, regional gongs also went to:
· Pontypool sandwich shop Bread of Heaven
· Birmingham greengrocers Melon Cauli
· Leicester tree surgeons Tree Amigos
· Wokingham photographer Flash Gordon
· Aire musical instrument shop Aire Guitars
· Wirral domestic cleaners Mopps a Daisys
· Ipswich landscape garden designers A Touch of Grass
· Southfield recruitment agency Secsinthecity.com
· Newcastle corporate entertainers Amp & Decks
· Croydon record shop The Vinyl Resting Place
· Portstewart diving shop, Aquaholics
