Aspiring entrepreneurs and budding Bransons: polish your pitches, as the Voom Tour – the UK and Ireland’s largest business pitching competition – hits Scotland for the very first time.
The Voom Bus will be making stops in Glasgow (November 2nd), Carnoustie (November 8th) and Dundee (November 9th), bringing free advice to Scotland’s entrepreneurs.
The Voom pitch competition allows fearless founders to pitch to a panel of judges, for the chance to walk off with a cool £5000.
There’s even a chance to grab brunch with Branson and probe him for tips on building a business empire.
Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group Founder, said: “The Voom Tour is coming to seek out the brilliant entrepreneurs and ideas from Scotland, and help break down the barriers to business success. The aim is to help them put aside their fears and take the next steps on what could be the most significant journey of their business life.”
Where Are The Startups?
Voom hits Scotland as new research from Virgin Media Business reveals that around 40% of people in Glasgow and Dundee say they’ve had a great idea for a business. Despite this, the majority of those people (56% in Glasgow, 60% in Dundee) have not tried to start their own business, citing reasons such as lack of funding, the wrong economic climate or simply being to afraid to take the risk.
Peter Kelly, the Managing Director of Virgin Media Business, said: “Whether you’ve already started a business and want some help, or need advice to help get a brand new venture off the ground, the Voom Tour is the perfect platform to prepare your business for the big time. We hope to see as many of Scotland’s business community as possible join us in November.”
Come To Fabulous Carnoustie…
Angus Council’s Economic Development spokesperson, Councillor Ron Sturrock said: “Voom is a fantastic platform to help your business, no matter what the size. This event is aimed at new, existing and developing businesses keen to find out what support is available to them nationally and locally with regards to Funding, IT, Marketing, social media, legal and innovation.
“We hope to see as many of Angus’s business community as possible join us at Carnoustie on 8th November. The Carnoustie stop is a precursor for the pitchathon being held in Dundee on 9th November where businesses have the chance to pitch for a £5,000 cash prize to help with their business, the lucky winner also has the opportunity to meet Richard Branson.”
The Voom tour dates are:
Glasgow, Thursday 2nd November
The Voom Bus will be based at 217 Buchanan Street from 10am to 5pm, with Voom Pitch taking place at 3pm.
Carnoustie, Wednesday 8th November
The Voom Bus is joining forces with the Business Angus team at Angus Council for an exclusive Voom Tour preview at the Carnoustie Golf Hotel, from 10am to 2pm.
Dundee, Thursday 9th November
The Voom Bus will be based at City Square from 10am to 5pm, with Voom Pitch taking place at 3pm.
For more information on the Voom Tour, and details on how to register to pitch a great business idea, please visit virginmediabusiness.co.uk/voom.