Tycoon Sir Richard Branson has launched a search for Britain’s best new business – and Kirklees firms are urged to make their case for a cash award.

Sir Richard’s Virgin Media Pioneers – the online community for entrepreneurs – is seeking Britain’s best up-and-coming business leaders, offering them an opportunity to pitch for investment from the man himself.

The free peer-to-peer network supports more than 6,000 young people, providing mentoring, advice and unique business opportunities. This year, there are two chances for innovators to “Pitch to Rich” and a panel of prestigious judges.

The winning prize package for each award includes £5,000 of investment plus mentoring – including legal, branding and marketing advice – as well as an opportunity for the winners to build their network and raise their profile in order to further their prospects.

The Start Up Award is for businesses in their first 12 months of trading. It is open to entrepreneurs with any early stage business that meets the Government Start Up Loans scheme criteria.

Every entrant will be supported in an application to seek funding and a business mentor with the Virgin StartUp not-for-profit organisation.

The Innovation Award is for successfully trading small technology businesses looking to make the next leap forward.

The winner will be offered free enrolment to the Accelerator Academy – an established 12-week, high-growth training and mentoring programme for ambitious digital entrepreneurs with training, mentoring free workspace and access to capital.

All semi-finalists will receive an HP tablet to help them manage their businesses.

Sir Richard said: “Starting a business with very little capital is something I can relate to but with a little backing early on and the right idea, anything is possible. I’m looking forward to meeting more of Britain’s best young entrepreneurs through the Start Up Award.”

Last year’s Pitch to Rich competition was won by Joshua and John Okungbaiye, founders of High Spirit, for their theft-proof rucksacks which captured the interest of Sir Richard and the judges, who included Innocent Drinks founder Richard Reed, who hails from Kirkheaon.

Go to www.virginmediapioneers.com

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