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Innovative Running Store Awarded as Excellent -Dragons Den’s Peter Jones and celebrity photographer Rankin honour Sport Business-

An innovative sports shop in Peterborough has been awarded for their success in the national BT Business Essence of the Entrepreneur competition. Advance Performance is an independent, family-owned specialist running store with technical products for everyone who runs - whatever their age or ability.

Sam Hale of Advance Performance photographed by Rankin for the BT Business Essence of the Entrepreneur campaign

Advance Performance customers are prescribed running shoes through a complimentary* consultation and gait analysis, which minimises the risk of injury and discomfort.  The business is run by Samantha Hale and despite a generally tough economic year, profits have increased by 150% and web sales by nearly 50%. They have also completely stopped using plastic carrier bags and implemented a Shoe Recycling Scheme.

Samantha has now had the essence of her business captured in a stunning portrait by renowned celebrity photographer Rankin, and the image will be displayed in a public exhibition at the gallery@oxo on London’s South Bank from 29th January – 29th February 2010.

Speaking about the award Samantha Hale said: “Entering the BT Business Essence of the Entrepreneur award encouraged me to look at parts of the business that you may not find time to look at on a day to day basis.  As a winner, my business can only benefit from enhanced credibility and the image from Rankin is a great visual representation.”

The annual BT Business Essence of the Entrepreneur competition celebrates UK entrepreneurs that have demonstrated exceptional dedication and passion towards their work. There are 20 winners in total – who are all at the forefront of using technology to help them succeed in a variety of different ways, from interactive customer websites to GPS tracking devices.

Bill Murphy, managing director of BT Business said: “It’s an inspiration to see the great resolve of this country’s entrepreneurs in the face of tough times. Now, more than ever, businesses need the recognition and support that these awards are able to give them.  Technology is helping entrepreneurs diversify, think differently about how they run their businesses and evolve the services they offer in a challenging economy. We have recognised some of the businesses that are at the forefront of these innovations.”

Head judge Peter Jones added: “The BT Business Essence of the Entrepreneur winners are bucking a trend, creating stand-out businesses, harnessing the developments of technology and thriving. I was massively impressed with the standard of entries, and the diversity of the entrepreneurs, and I congratulate the winners for being selected.”

Find out more about the exhibition at: www.bt.com/entrepreneur.

* Advance Performance are pleased to offer a Free Video Gait Analysis to all customers wishing to purchase running shoes. This service is Free to people who buy or order shoes on the day of their Gait Analysis. Due to the time spent undertaking a Gait Analysis a nominal charge of £25.00 may be made to those who choose not to purchase shoes at the time of their Gait Analysis.