Independent LGBT business “Pants” has made it to the finals of the Local Business Accelerators.

Local Business Accelerators is a ground-breaking national initiative, backed by Prime Minister David Cameron and Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden that harnesses the power of local newspapers to give a much-needed boost to local businesses and economies.

The nationwide campaign, launched in October by regional and local newspapers across the country will see 1,500 firms receive £15M of free advertising to help boost their businesses in 2012.

MEN Media, which publishes regional and local news across the North West and Greater Manchester is one of the publishers backing the scheme and they received scores of entries from across the region. A panel of judges whittled down the entries to just 10 finalists, which includes LGBT independent small business Pants.

‘Pants’ is Manchester’s premier men’s designer underwear store based in Manchester's vibrant Northern Quarter, well known for its creative qualities. ‘Pants’ was born out of a love of men’s designer underwear brands and a desire to bring original designer labels to one place on the high street.

Darren Bevan, Pants’ Operations Director commented “This is an exciting opportunity for Pants.  To be selected for the finals is an achievement in itself and represents 18 months of hard work, determination and a wealth of support from our customers and the local community who have really bought into the Pants concept and brand.”

Ashley Grumble, Pants Business Development Director explained “We have ambitious plans for Pants. The potential of receiving such expert business mentoring plus a significant advertising package will certainly help us as we look to take the business to the next level.”

Darren and Ashley will now pitch to the judges, before three winners are selected from each region of the country. As well as receiving top professional advice from a team of business mentors, their prize also includes a substantial allocation of free advertising space in the pages of MEN Media's titles across the North West region.  Deborah Meaden will also become a mentor to one overall business, picked from the hundreds of regional winners

The three winners from this area will be announced on January 11.

Pants can be found online at www.pantsHQ.com or on the high street in Manchester: Pants, 3rd Floor, Afflecks, 52 Church Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1PW

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