Best of the West Competition

Business Gateway Argyll and Bute are once again running a competition that invites businesses across the region to pitch for a free trade stand within the craft tent.

Craft Business's aim to be Best of the West! 

Craft businesses throughout Argyll and Bute will have the chance to sell their products to thousands of people at this year’s Best of the West festival.

Business Gateway Argyll and Bute are once again running a competition that invites businesses across the region to pitch for a free trade stand within the craft tent.

The tent, which is sponsored by Business Gateway, is a popular pit stop for festival goers who are keen to snap up unique, local designs. With over 5000 visitors descending on Inveraray Castle, the competition is a fantastic chance for local crafters to raise their profile.

All six winners of last year’s competition proved popular during the weekend including Margaret Morrison-Macleod of the Divine Hag, an award winning company that creates natural and organic aromatherapy room sprays.

Margaret said: “I was thrilled that my product was chosen to represent ‘The Best of the West. I had a wonderful response to my collection and to the beautifully crafted Baby Bliss spray which I launched at the festival. It was wonderful to meet customers and get feedback.”

A panel of judges will select six winners based on their pitch which should include the reasons their venture is special and why their products would be a good fit with the festival. The judges include festival host the Duchess of Argyll and Fergus Murray, Argyll and Bute Council’s Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation.

Eleanor Argyll, Duchess of Argyll said: “I am thrilled that Business Gateway will be holding its competition to find the 'best in the west' of new businesses. We have been really impressed with the talent and diversity of the past entrants since the competition started and the winners have been very popular additions to the Business Gateway Craft tent. I am looking forward to the 2018 entrants already.”

The Best of the West festival starts on Saturday, 8th and Sunday, 9th September with live music on the evening of Friday, 7th September.

To enter, craft businesses are invited to describe in no more than 250 words why your craft business and the products you sell represent the ‘best in the west’. You must include a link to relevant websites or social media to support your entry and you can also include up to five photographs of your products and a film clip of no more than three minutes.

Entry is via email to business.gateway@argyll-bute.gov.uk.  Entries open 31st May and the closing date is 5pm on 6th July 2018. Competition terms and conditions are available at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/best-west-competition

For more information on the festival and to buy tickets, visit www.bowfest.co.uk          

To find out more about how Business Gateway can help you set up and develop your own business call 01546 808 363 or visit www.bgateway.com/argyll-and-bute         

Terms and conditions

  1. The winners must agree to take part in publicity
  2. Business Gateway BOW Festival trade stand winners from previous years are ineligible
  3. Entrants who have previously taken a trade stand at BOW Festival are ineligible
  4. Entrants must be based in Argyll and Bute
  5. Entrants must be available to attend for the full day allocated to them which will be either Saturday 8th or Sunday 9th September 2018 and the business owner must attend in person
  6. Craft businesses only are eligible, no services, fresh food products or alcohol can be exhibited
  7. Only the named business can attend and the prize is non transferrable
  8. No more than three representatives per business can attend, including the business owner
  9. Entrants must meet all current legislative regulations relevant to their business
  10. Entrants must live in the UK
  11. The prize is as stated. No cash alternative
  12. Closing date for entries is 5pm Friday 6th July 2018. Entries received after this date are ineligible
  13. The judges’ decision is final
  14. Winners will be notified by email no later than Thursday 19th July 2018
  15. The competition is not open to Business Gateway employees or their immediate family
  16. Business Gateway and Argyll and Bute Council have no liability for any costs incurred by businesses in attending or in the event of cancellation

 

Some pictures from the 2016 event:

 

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