Business secretary Vince Cable has welcomed the publication of the EDP Future50 2011 – the project that celebrates some of the region's premier entrepreneurial talent.

For the last three years, the EDP and a panel of expert judges has looked for stories of innovation and enterprise to find 50 entrepreneurs who will be 'ones to watch' in future. This year 11 new faces join the 50 and they are drawn from different sectors of the regional economy: from energy to services, engineering to e-commerce.

A special 44-page magazine is published inside the EDP (Tuesday December 6) profiling the companies and their founders.

But the entrepreneurs featured in the magazine came together at the new 'start-up lounge' at City College Norwich for a special preview.

They heard a video message of support from Business secretary Vince Cable – who endorsed the Future50 project as a 'great initiative'.

Dr Cable said: 'I really want to welcome this Future50 initiative getting behind entrepreneurs in Norfolk.

'This is what's going to drive the economy forward and get us out of the mess that we're in. It's people risking their capital, working hard on their businesses, hiring people.

'The government can't do all of this – that's down to private enterprise.

'But what we can do as a government is making sure that we're putting enough resources in when it comes to training, getting rid of a lot of the red tape that make it difficult for business to operate, making sure that the banks play their part in getting credit out and making sure that other forms of capital are available.

'But ultimately it is down to the business people themselves to be optimistic and be positive.

'I'm quite sure these 50 companies will be the stars of the future.'

Kevin Horne, chief executive of the enterprise agency NWES and chairman of the Future50 judging panel, added: 'Never has the launch of an initiative showcasing entrepreneurs been more important than this year's Future50. With the economy faltering, and government seemingly powerless in the face of market nervousness, it is those visionary individuals who make up this year's cadre who will drive growth in our area. The Future50 is all about showcasing the 'enterprise gems' who have the potential to make Norfolk a hotbed for innovation and growth. NWES is delighted to support the entrepreneurs who will make a real difference in these interesting times.'