For the third year running, the campaign is taking its double decker bus filled with start-up experts and business champions to 25 towns and cities across the UK to deliver help and support to the growing number of people who are becoming entrepreneurs in Britain.
The event will also see Lawrence Tomlinson, Entrepreneur in Residence at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, launching a UK Growth Idea competition in which he will give away his £10,000 salary to whoever submits the best idea for UK growth.
Tomlinson said: “Boosting growth is extremely important to me – which is why I applied for the post. I’m dedicating my time as Entrepreneur in Residence to assist the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in helping businesses to grow.
“I strongly believe the answer does not just lie with politicians, advisers and civil servants, but is something everyone should have the chance to contribute to. I’ve therefore decided to award my £10,000 wage from BIS to whoever sends the most innovative and practical idea for generating growth. It does not necessarily need to be a ground-breaking reform, you may have a small simple solution you think would help drive a growth sector – I want to hear them all. If the winner is a business owner, or is someone looking to start-up a new enterprise, I’m also happy to mentor them. UK growth is significant to us all so I look forward to hearing all the ideas submitted.”
The competition will run until the end of Global Entrepreneurship Week when the winner will be announced on Friday 22nd November 2013, entrepreneurs from around the UK will be able to enter the competition aboard the StartUp Britain bus.
StartUp Britain co-founder Emma Jones said: “Since we launched StartUp Britain two years ago, we’ve seen record numbers of people starting businesses and creating their own value in the UK.
“We’re in the middle of a heat wave, Andy Murray just won Wimbledon and everyone is more positive about the future of the British economy than they have been for years. By taking our bus around towns and cities in England, Scotland and Wales, we want to give people the confidence to find their inner entrepreneur – and provide a boost to their own local economy as well as the national one.
“And we’re looking forward to hearing people’s ideas about growth as we go.”
Business and Enterprise Minister Michael Fallon said: “The StartUp Britain bus tour supports the Government’s drive to build a culture of enterprise and I am encouraged to see that this year the bus will visit more locations, reach more people and show that anyone can start a business, anywhere.
“We want to continue to make it easier for businesses to access advice and finance and I urge all budding entrepreneurs to get on-board for direct advice from an expert on how to access finance, meet mentors and take their business to the next level.”
Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “There are a record number of start-ups and small businesses in the UK, even in tough times. There is also plenty of government help and support to start your own business. So if you’ve ever thought about it then I encourage you to take the next step and make it a reality.
“The StartUp Britain bus will bring direct advice to budding entrepreneurs across the country. Its advisers can tell you how to get a Start-Up Loan, or how to find out about mentoring.”
The day will also see the launch of a Marketing4StartUp Britain Week – when the top marketing agencies in the country offer free marketing tips for start-ups.
