U Star Novels Named As A National Finalist in the 2009 HSBC Start-Up Stars

- Personalised Novel Business One of the Top 25 Start Ups in the UK -

U Star Novels, publishers of the UK’s first personalised novels for adults named as a National Finalist in the HSBC Start-Up Stars awards, a national business event supported by Sky News.

The awards, now in its ninth year, which are also backed by the Daily Express, recognises, supports and celebrates the initiative and dedication shown by new business in the UK.

U Star Novels offers the UK’s first personalised novels for adults. A successful sector in America, romantic fiction is also one of the fastest growing sectors of book publishing in Britain. U Star Novels has uniquely tapped into this industry by being the first company to offer any couple the chance to star in their very own personalised romance novel.

By making best use of advances in print-on-demand technology, U Star Novels’ award-winning business model has shaken up the printing industry and also meets the increasing demand for ‘personalised’ gifts.

U Star Novels is one of 25 companies to secure a place in the National Finals.

HSBC’s Business Marketing Manager, Peter Nutton, said: “We thought that in a year in which there had been severe economic constraints the quality of entrants might suffer, but they have been as strong as ever. The selection process was very difficult.”

Head of Business Banking for HSBC, Huw Morgan, said:“We hope the success of U Star Novels in this year’s HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards will help it go from strength to strength, as well as prove to other budding entrepreneurs that business dreams really can be turned into reality.”

Co-founder and Managing Director Katie Olver says, ‘Setting up a new business is a huge challenge, and once you’ve launched a successful company it’s great to have that effort recognised. We’re delighted to be through to the next stage of these awards.”

U Star Novels is a step closer to scooping the top title and a cheque for £25,000 courtesy of HSBC. Start-Up Stars supporter, Google, will be offering £11,000 worth of free services plus mentoring at Google’s UK headquarters, to be split between the four winners.

The overall Winner will be revealed at a black-tie gala dinner at London’s InterContinental Hotel on November 23rd.

For more details on the Awards, visit the HSBC Start Up Stars website at http://www.startupstars.hsbc.co.uk/