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Advance Performance wins BT entrepreneur award

By: Jeff James

Listed Under: News

Published: Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Innovative sports shop Advance Performance has won a BT Business Essence of the Entrepreneur award in recognition of its exceptional dedication and passion towards its work.

The family-owned specialist running store, which has outlets in Peterborough and Cambridge, prescribe running shoes through a complimentary consultation and gait analysis, which minimises the risk of injury and discomfort.

The business is run by Samantha Hale (pictured) and, despite a generally tough economic year, profits have increased by 150 per cent and web sales by nearly 50 per cent. It has also stopped using plastic carrier bags and implemented a shoe recycling scheme.

As part of the award, Hale has been captured in a stunning portrait by celebrity photographer Rankin. The picture is being displayed, along with 19 other winners of the award, in a public exhibition at the gallery@oxo on London’s South Bank until February 29.

“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," says Hale.

"As a winner, my business can only benefit from enhanced credibility and the image from Rankin is a great visual representation.

"We were delighted with the wording beneath the photo, which says 'Many sports injuries are related to not having the right kit or equipment, therefore by building a service that analyses the individual, Samantha has created a more enjoyable and safer experience for everyone who runs.’ ”

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