A Solihull firm is one step away from being crowned the UK's brightest new business after reaching the final of HSBC's Startup Stars Award.
Configure, a commercial disability access consultancy, beat off stiff competition from hundreds of young enterprises to be named one of HSBC's ten finalists.
The two year old company is hoping to scoop the coveted title and the £20,000 cash prize in October at an awards dinner in London. Runners up will also receive £5,000.
Brothers Jim and David Driver founded the company in January 2003. Their concept was to help businesses meet their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act.
Jim, a former captain in the British Army is responsible for the management of the installation teams, product development and forward planning.
His brother David is a qualified solicitor and is responsible for policy development and the legal aspects of training.
The rapid growth and success of the company has largely been attributed to their focus on larger centralised companies. Jim and David believe that as a direct result of this their turnover will rise from £1.3 million to more than £7 million for the current financial year.
Simon Wainwright, head of business banking for HSBC, said: "There is a great appetite for entrepreneurship in the Midlands. In fact, HSBC helped nearly 11,000 new firms get started in the region in the first half of 2005, over 400 per week.
"We've been impressed by the vision and determination shown by Jim and David. We hope that budding entrepreneurs in the area will be inspired to take the plunge and turn their dreams into reality."
