ONE of the really exciting aspects of judging the Business Awards is when a company the judges expect to be an also-ran turns out to be a real star. That happened last year with the St Neots-based Langdale Academy of Dance, according to Roger Groetze, a h

ONE of the really exciting aspects of judging the Business Awards is when a company the judges expect to be an also-ran turns out to be a real star.

That happened last year with the St Neots-based Langdale Academy of Dance, according to Roger Groetze, a hugely experienced adviser with Business Link East.

"This guy had covered all the angles. Everything was in his business plan, and it all stacked up. On top of that was his overwhelming enthusiasm for the business," Roger told The Hunts Post last week. "Not only that, but he finds roles for his talented students through his contacts in London. I was really impressed at every level."

Nothing has diminished Tom Langdale's enthusiasm since winning the New Business Award 2007 last November.

"The decision to go for the best new business award 2007 was not easy - it really defined so much about our small company if we could really represent performing arts as a successful business and not just a well organised club.

"The award gave us new confidence and status, and we then decided as a team to move forward and plan for the future. We increased the number of classes we run. We also developed an agency and I personally took on private choreography work both professionally and within primary schools across the county. The New Business Award gave us a silver lining.

"It was worth five years of word of mouth and really helped boost our profile," he said.

On the night of the awards, Tom took two senior students to share the experience. "Both students are progressing wonderfully and working professionally."

The school recently performed in Soho for OK Magazine and Human Hi, with Simon Cowell's new act Julian Bennett (star of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy).

"The school is really growing, and this year we plan to take on two new teachers. Both are still working professionally in the West End of London, playing lead roles in top musicals. We have also developed our Sunday theatre school, ShowBiz Express, which produced We Will Rock You and was watched by over a 1,000 people," he enthused.

"I am hugely proud of our business and the strong foundations that we have created in the market. The Langdale Academy has become a brand of quality performing arts, and the award only proves that. We are looking forward to this year's awards and think that our incredible growth will stand us in good stead for this year's trophies."

INFORMATION: The Langdale Academy of Dance runs classes for all ages in most styles and techniques of performing arts, with regular shows, events and workshops. Telephone 01480 394047 or e-mail langdale8@hotmail.com.