THE latest Local Business Accelerators (LBA), the local media industry’s campaign to boost the best local businesses fronted by TV’ s Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden, has been launched.

Organised by Local Media Works, the marketing body for the local press industry, the campaign will see local newspapers in Britain join the hunt to find the best local businesses.

The winner will scoop the LBA national prize of business mentoring from LBA campaign ambassador Deborah Meaden and free local newspaper advertising.

Since its inception, LBA has consistently demonstrated that local media advertising can accelerate local businesses, energising and invigorating local economies,” said Ms Meaden (pictured).

That is because people trust local news brands more than any other media, and are much more likely to engage with, and act upon, the advertising within them.

I am delighted to be fronting LBA once again and would encourage all businesses out there to contact their local newspaper to find out how they can get involved.”

Launching for the first time in 2011 with backing from 500 local papers, LBA has already seen hundreds of businesses accelerated by a combination of free local newspaper advertising and mentoring from business leaders.

Through their own business awards and unique connections with local business communities, local newspapers will find the best local businesses in their area aged one year or over and nominate them for a chance of winning the campaign prize.

Interested businesses can contact their local newspaper to find out more. Entries for LBA close on Friday 29 January 2016.

LBA was first launched in 2011 with funding from local newspaper publisher, Sir Ray Tindle.

To find out more, click here