Aspiring entrepreneurs support Virgin start-up scheme in Birmingham

ASPIRING entrepreneurs have supported a new business networking programme in Birmingham, backed by Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson.

The Virgin Media Pioneers Programme is an initiative of Sir Richard’s that provides a free online community allowing young entrepreneurial talent to connect.  The site allows people to share their ideas and experiences via video blogs, an engaging TV series and to receive expert professional mentoring and advice.

Matt Roberts, Aston Business School graduate and co- founder of the innovative company Bean2bed, has been chosen as a Regional Pioneer Ambassador for the start-up initiative scheme. He is one of only 12 entrepreneurs chosen from across the UK, and will be organising business events and co-ordinating the Pioneers community for the West Midlands region.

He organised the networking event at Urban Coffee in Church Street and around 85 people attended the session.

The session acted as an introduction to the start-up service and included speed networking, as well as speaker sessions and Q&As with local entrepreneurs.

Nick Holzherr, a runner-up on the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’ programme in 2012 and now founder of a new business, Whisk.co.uk, was one of those dispensing advice and answering questions.

Simon Jenner, who helped found the coffee business, was also guest speaker for the event.

“I am delighted with how the Pioneers event went,” said Roberts, who recently celebrated the eighth anniversary of Bean2Bed and now counts world darts champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, Jasper Carrot and former Spice Girl, Geri Halliwell among his customers.

“It provided the opportunity for lots of networking and relationship building with a great mix of experienced entrepreneurs, start-up businesses and representatives from the business community.

“One of the key moments included an inspiring talk from Simon Jenner where he advised people to aim as high as they can in business. Simon also discussed how failure is part of the learning curve and that he has personally learnt far more from his failures than his successes.”

Sir Richard said: “There is a huge amount we can do to unlock entrepreneurial potential and Virgin Media Pioneers is empowering entrepreneurs to fulfill their dreams of owning and managing successful businesses.”