A business networking event with a difference comes to Huddersfield next week.

The town centre’s Voda Bar will host the Ace Come to Networking Night from 7.30pm next Monday for a mix of business pitching, entertainment, food and drink.

The highlight of the evening will be a Dragon’s Den-style session when people with promising business ideas will pitch their proposals to an expert panel – with the would-be entrepreneurs hoping to secure support in the form of mentoring or money to turn their dreams into reality.

The event is being staged by Ace Foundations, a community interest company which aims to provide bespoke student accommodation in Huddersfield.

Ace – standing for Accommodation, Care, Equality – was formed to fill a gap in the market to supply such facilities to disabled students.

Ace aims to provide a safe, secure environment for students and peace of mind for their families by offering whatever support the students need while allowing them to maintain an independent lifestyle.

Bradley-based Craig Simpson, of Ace Foundations, said research by the company over more than a year suggested that new student accommodation was not adapted for disabled people – with things like light switches, sockets, cupboards and drawers at awkward heights rather than being easily accessible and rooms without space for wheelchair users.

Craig pitched the business to potential investors at a similar Dragon’s Den-type event in London – which helped Ace find a backer and has now prompted Craig to come up with the idea for next Monday’s event.

He said Ace’s ambition was to provide four and five-bedroom apartments with kitchen-living rooms, bathrooms or wet rooms and internet and TV access.

The facilities would also feature communal areas – one designated as a quiet area with sofas and desks and the other a social area with a TV, DVD, pool table and chairs and tables.

There would also be a laundry with assistance provided to those who require it. Carers would be available if needed along with 24-hour.

Said Craig: “We would also like to offer additional support to students in becoming familiar with the local area and getting them into part-time employment.

“If possible, we would like to liaise with companies in securing employment.

“We would also like to enhance life skills.”