Dragons' Den stars launch 'Smarta 100, together with O2'

Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden have helped to launch Smarta 100, together with O2, a one of a kind competition that celebrates the most resourceful, unique and innovative small businesses in the UK.

"Now, more than ever before, we should be celebrating the best new British businesses and the people behind them - and that's exactly what The Smarta 100, together with O2, does," said Meaden.

Paphitis, who will be leading this year's judging panel, said, "I'm delighted to be joining the Smarta 100 search for some of this year's most exciting small businesses. I admire people with the passion and energy to build their own businesses and can't wait to discover the many enterprising firms that are set to be the big businesses of tomorrow."

Meaden added, "Last year we handed out awards to 100 ambitious individuals who'd dared to act on their ideas and had grown brilliantly creative, innovative and sometimes disruptive businesses - the search is now on for the next 100."

This year, Smarta 100 together with O2, will also run the Smarta 100 Academy a series of four free-to-attend interactive speaker events that will address key business issues, including creating the ultimate business plan, navigating the world of funding, the art of communication and doing well by doing good.

All entries must be submitted by midnight on 31 August. For more information and to enter Smarta 100, together with O2, visit www.smarta.com/smarta100.