celebrities

Cilla Black “ Congratulations to the founders and supporters of The Search. Let's hope other regions across the UK follow Merseyside's fine example and provide opportunities for their striving entrepreneurs. Good luck to all the entrants! ”

Cilla Black

Jean Boht “ This local initiative for Merseyside people, offers a unique chance for the next big entrepreneur to flourish with the aid of the business community. ”

Jean Boht

Ken Dodd “ Local businesses working together to help their local community is something that everyone wants to see. It is good to see that Merseyside is once again leading the race in proving its strong sense of community spirit by supporting The Search. ”

Ken Dodd

Tom O'Connor “ Merseyside is a truly amazing region and The Search is a great example of the creative thinking that thrives at its heart. Entrepreneurs and business experts supporting new talent and making business dreams come true. It doesn’t get much better than that. Get entering and good luck to all involved. ”

Tom O'Connor

Paul O'Grady “ The Search is a great showcase for Merseyside and highlights a culture which inspires, nurtures and supports talent - in this case the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Good luck to all the entrants. ”

Paul O'Grady

John Parrott “ Merseyside has produced some outstanding talent in all areas of life from sport to arts and culture to business. It's fantastic to see an initiative like The Search launched to support new business talent in the region in such a ground breaking style. It's a brilliant opportunity for Merseyside's entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Good luck. ”

John Parrott

Jimmy Tarbuck “ It is always a pleasure when I am asked to be involved with an initiative that helps the local community and The Search does just this. A positive step in keeping Merseyside moving. ”

Jimmy Tarbuck

Ricky Tomlinson “ This is a brilliant opportunity for would-be entrepreneurs in Merseyside and celebrates all that is great about the region. It's particularly good to see older talent getting recognition as well. Well done to the founders with the foresight to create The Search and good luck to all who enter. ”

Ricky Tomlinson

religious leaders

Wilson Ajise “ The Search is a wonderful show of community spirit with local companies and business people coming together
and offering a unique opportunity to the Merseyside area. We hope that the initiative is a great success for all of those involved. ”

Wilson Ajise - Chairman of the Nigerian Community Centre (Merseyside)

Barry Levene “ We are delighted to support this venture to encourage and develop entrepreneurs of all ages as it is just this sort of boost to the economy of the area that will help to attract people back to Liverpool. ”

Mr Barry Levene - Chairman of the Merseyside Jewish Representative Council

Pastor David Seiboth “ The Search - Merseyside Entrepreneur of the Year 2008 sounds to me like a wonderful scheme set to enhance the interest into business within the local area. To all those applying, we convey our good wishes and we congratulate those involved with the set up of the scheme. ”

Pastor David Seiboth - Chinese Gospel Church (Merseyside)

Mr Hardey Singh Sohal “ The people of Merseyside are being given a chance to prosper through The Search. We hope that other areas within the UK use this scheme as an example. It is encouraging to see the collaboration behind the initiative which will undoubtedly benefit Merseyside. Well done to all! ”

Mr Hardey Singh Sohal - Secretary of the Sikh Community Centre (Merseyside)

Rt Rev James Jones “ The Search offers an opportunity to budding entrepreneurs in Merseyside. It is wonderful to see local businesses and entrepreneurs working together and helping others. Merseyside has produced a wealth of talent in many fields and it is great to see would-be entrepreneurs flourish. We wish all those who enter the best of luck. ”

Rt Rev James Jones - Bishop of Liverpool

Bishop Thomas Williams “ The Search is encouraging local people and businesses to work together and create opportunities that most would not be able to achieve single handedly. It is always a pleasure to see the community pulling together and supporting one another. ”

Bishop Thomas Williams - Roman Catholic Church (Merseyside)

other VIPs

Tony Colquitt “ The Saints are delighted to support The Search. It’s a tremendous opportunity for the would be entrepreneurs to showcase their talent and potential. As a World Champion Club we welcome and embrace initiatives that demonstrate the true and full potential of the people of Merseyside. ”

Tony Colquitt - CEO St Helens RLFC - Saints News

David Moyes “ I think The Search is a great idea and I am all for anything that encourages people to better themselves. Knowing Merseyside as I do, I am sure the standard of entrants will be extremely high and we will follow the progress with interest. On behalf of everyone here at Everton – Good Luck to all who enter The Search. ”

David Moyes - Manager - Everton Football Club

Lorraine Rogers “ The Search offers an opportunity to budding entrepreneurs in Merseyside. It is wonderful to see local businesses and entrepreneurs working together and helping others. Merseyside has produced a wealth of talent in many fields and it is great to see would-be entrepreneurs flourish. We wish all those who enter the best of luck. ”

Lorraine Rogers - Chair - Tranmere Rovers