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Dragon to breathe fire into budding entrepreneurs

One of the most high-profile entrepreneurs in the UK is launching a nationwide tour to create 5,000 new businesses in the next two years. Doug Richard, one of the original ‘Dragons’ from the hit TV series Dragons’ Den, has unveiled ambitious plans to fast-track aspiring entrepreneurs on the road to success.

Mr Richard launched an attack on the paucity of support for individuals with good business ideas that need expert help to bring their ideas to fruition. His ambition is to turn the UK into the best place on the planet in which to start a new business.

The Doug Richard Project is a series of ‘boot camps’ giving advice and guidance to 200 fledgling businesspeople at a time. The first event will be held at Newcastle University on 27 February.

Mr Richard said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy and the ultimate economic wellbeing of our country depends on ensuring that the UK is one of the best places in the world to start and run a small business. The aim of the Doug Richard Project is to create an environment for success.”

The Doug Richard Project is being launched in the North East with support from networking specialists the Bridge Club and TEDCO, South Tyneside Council’s economic development arm.

Caroline Theobald, managing director of the Bridge Club, said: “It’s a real feather in the North East’s cap that Doug Richard and his team have chosen to launch their national business start-up project in the region. By working in partnership with Barclays, TEDCO and the University of Newcastle we aim to connect at least 200 new business owners with a kick start from the experts.”

Mr Richard is being joined at his first boot camp by one of the North East’s most successful entrepreneurs and fellow ‘dragon’ Duncan Bannatyne.

For more information, visit www.thedougrichardproject.com or e-mail info@thedougrichardproject.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .