BUSINESS awards such as the Liverpool ECHO Enterprise Champions 2005 provide the inspiration for entrepreneurs to carry on, TV personality Simon O'Brien said today.
The former Brookside star and businessman in his own right is compering the Enterprise Champions 2005 final on June 15 at the Supper Club in Blundell Street.
"I'm really looking forward to it, it is an innovative place so let's see what happens."
He acknowledged the contribution of entrepreneurs to the wealth of the region and country and the role business awards play.
"Small and medium-sized businesses are the lifeblood of the country. Without these kinds of awards, people would become disillusioned and lose interest.
"Awards keep the enthusiasm going for small businesses.
"Sometimes you can get a bit lost in the business world and awards like these let people know there are people interested in what they are doing."
Simon was the founder of The Hub, a cycle centre and cafe which encouraged people to ditch their cars for more environmentally- friendly transport.
Today, he is concentrating on his TV and acting roles, but he said his foray into business provided valuable lessons.
"My advice to anyone thinking of opening a business would be to listen to people who have already run a business and don't think you know all the answers. You don't and that's from first hand experience."
Simon's latest ventures include filming for BBC's Grange Hill series and a new project for Granada called My Back Yard, focusing on local controversial planning issues.
The Enterprise Champions Awards are in association with Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank and supported by Business Link for Greater Merseyside.
Enterprise Champions 
