Left to right: Dean Hearne , Dan Brown, HSBC’s Huw Morgan and Ian Morris

A Hastings BMX distribution company has been crowned one of the country’s best new businesses in the 2008 HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards. Now, we don’t normally “do” BMX on BM, but in this case we’re making an exception, largely because of the accompanying photo, which shows Ian Morris, Dean Hearne and Dan Brown, founders of 4Down Distribution, receiving their award at a “glittering gala dinner” at London’s Dorchester Hotel. You probably have some mental image of what BMXers look like, and this probably isn’t it…

The trio set up 4Down Distribution in 2006, importing, marketing and distributing BMX bikes, equipment and clothing. They have exclusive rights to some of the world¹s leading BMX brands and have also launched their own in-house brand, United Bike Co, which now sells in 17 countries worldwide. Since starting the business in Ian’s spare room with nothing but an idea and a pile of enthusiasm, the three partners have created a successful business with a massive future. With BMX making its debut as an Olympic sport in Beijing this year, the market is sure to grow and 4Down is ready to take their share.

Huw Morgan, HSBC’s Head of Business Banking and a man who looks somewhat more at home in a suit, said: “Last year HSBC helped more than 130,000 new businesses get started, that’s one every four minutes, so we understand what it takes to set up a new venture and go it alone. We hope the success of 4Down Distribution 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.”

Ian, Dean and Dan have also won £2,500 of Google AdWords.

Naturally enough, the main point of the awards is to promote HSBC’s services for fledgling companies – would-be entrepreneurs can go to HSBC’s Knowledge Centre at www.knowledge.hsbc.co.uk or they can get a copy of HSBC’s free Starting a Business pack by calling 0800 328 4912* or visiting an HSBC branch.