Wolves' Den winners announced

Wolverhampton council joined forces with the accountancy and professional services firm during Business Week to offer local small and fledgling businesses the chance to pitch to a panel of experienced business professionals in a day-long session at Molineux.

As well as KPMG's enterprise director, Tim Kay, and advisory business partner Simon Albrighton, the panel was made up of Keren Jones, the service director for city economy at Wolverhampton council; Sham Sharma, local businessman and chairman of the Wolverhampton Business Forum and Simon Penfold, Business Editor at the Express & Star.

All the companies had to make a presentation to the panel before undergoing a probing question and answer session.

The two companies that took the spoils were Huxton Resourcing, of Sedgley Street, and Learn Play Foundation, of Cleveland Road.

Huxton Resourcing is a recruitment service dedicated to the social care and education sector, while the Learn Play Foundation is a not-for-profit interactive digital media company that also provides opportunities to young people.

The judges felt they both demonstrated the best and most coherent understanding of their businesses, the challenges they face and how KPMG's support would benefit them.

The panel were also looking for how the businesses made an economic and community impact in the city of Wolverhampton - and both of the organisations were able to show how they contribute to both.

Adrian Fieldhouse, director at KPMG, added: "We were delighted to participate in Wolverhampton Business Week and following on from our sponsorship of the Business Breakfast, Wolves' Den was the perfect way to finish off a great week.

"We deal with major businesses every day of the week and were both impressed and inspired by the energy, enthusiasm and drive that each of the organisations that pitched displayed."

Councillor John Reynolds, cabinet member for city economy, added: "SMEs make up a big part of the Wolverhampton business community at over 80 per cent.

"This was a fantastic opportunity for them to bid for expert advice from a global name like KPMG.

"Congratulations to Huxton Resourcing and the Learn Play Foundation for beating off stiff competition to land support that will boost their business.

"We are delighted such a prominent firm like KPMG is showing such support for our city – and in particular Business Week."

All participants received helpful observations and advice from the panel on the day and three of the businesses have been offered support via the KPMG Enterprise Programme.