ENTRIES are coming in for Business Boost, our competition that will see six businesses win a £10,000 advertising campaign.

Adamedia, based at Beckermet near Egremont, was one of the first to apply. The photography and video business was set up in May last year by Adam Pearson and his father Keith, and offers clients an unusual specialism – aerial photography shot from aircraft or unmanned drones. 

The highlight to date has been making a video using drone footage to showcase the area for the Copeland Open for Business conference in Whitehaven in October.

The video features economic developments, from industry to transport and education to tourism, including the leisure opportunities of the western Lakes and St Bees coast. It has already been viewed by potential inward investors in more than 50 countries.

Adam Pearson said: “We were delighted to be asked to provide a showcase for Copeland and pleased to be able to support the event and campaign going forward.

“The use of aerial filming enables us to create a unique perspective on an area, even for locals who are very familiar with the landscape and developments.”

He hopes that Business Boost will help him sell the benefits of Adamedia's services to a wider audience.

He added: “Many potential clients are not aware of Adamedia as the local aerial filming company, or what its capabilities are, and how affordable it is relative to more traditional helicopter/fixed-wing aircraft.”

CN Group, publisher of the News & Star, runs Business Boost in partnership with sponsor Lamont Pridmore.

Six businesses – two each in west, north, and south Cumbria – will win £10,000 to spend on advertising in our newspapers and web sites.

They also get the offer of mentoring, including an extended business consultation programme from accountant Lamont Pridmore that has the potential to boost profitability by as much as £25,000 a year.

Applications are invited in two categories. One for new businesses – up to five years old – and one for established businesses with fewer than 250 employees. All entrants must be based in Cumbria.

Entrants should outline how their businesses will grow and how they might use a £10,000 advertising campaign. The closing date is March 25. 

Judging takes place early in April when shortlisted finalists will be invited to make a Dragons’ Den -style pitch. Winners will be announced at the end of April. Enter online at www.newsandstar.co.uk/businessboost .