Beech Holdings is one of eleven promising young companies from across the UK to make the list. It has been shortlisted as a regional finalist for Local Business Accelerators.

Launched in 2013 with a turnover of £10.3m, the Manchester-born and bred green property developer brings unloved historic buildings back to a useful purpose.

Providing energy-efficient, well designed and affordable accommodation, Beech Holdings’ first projects saw the conversion of an unused 20,000 square feet building that had been derelict for over 10 years into 35 low carbon apartments.

The competition offers a prize package that includes business mentoring from Dragon’s Den Star Deborah Meaden and free advertising in their local paper, as well as £1,000 worth of business advice from an ICAEW, chartered accountant and free entry to three CBI events for small businesses.

Owner Stephen Beech said: “As an independent local business, the business is competing with some big-name property developers who have bigger resources and budgets than ourselves.

“It needs to compete with these names in order to be successful in the longer term. Advertising with a trusted local paper would help build its reputation as a competent and credible developer and landlord.”

Judges from the top of the business community reviewed the LBA nominated businesses and whittled them down to create the regions and nations shortlist of 11 businesses.

Chaired by Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden, LBA ambassador, the judging panel consisted of CBI acting director for competitive markets Tom Thackray, Mail on Sunday small-business editor Vicki Owen, ICAEW business director Stephen Ibbotson, Local Media Works chairman Craig Nayman, and News Media Association deputy chief executive Lynne Anderson.

The businesses were judged on criteria including originality of the business idea, their finances, communication skills, contribution to the local community, and their potential to benefit from free local newspaper advertising.

Stephen said: “We are honoured to be recognised for the work we’re doing in transforming unused buildings in Manchester city centre into well designed apartments.

“It’s an honour to be the only Manchester business to be shortlisted as a finalist. This is great for our business and our diverse team but it’s also great for the part we all play in building the Northern Powerhouse.”

The vote will be live for a week and will enable the public to vote for their favourite local business. The overall LBA winner and People’s Choice winner will be announced on Thursday 31 March. Please visit http://www.localmediauk.org/pu...;to vote.

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