The Dragons' Den Returns to Banbury
22 January 2008
For the second year running, aspiring entrepreneurs are being given the chance to compete in Banbury’s version of the Dragons’ Den.
Hopeful business-men and women will get the opportunity to sell themselves and their innovative business plans to a panel of judges to win a selection of prizes which will assist them in their business venture.
The contest will mirror the hit BBC2 programme Dragon’s Den, where budding entrepreneurs present their business designs to five successful business leaders – or ‘dragons’ in an attempt to secure investment.
The Banbury Innovation Awards were established with the key aims of encouraging innovation - with established professionals assisting new local companies.
Hunter Internet and Gaming took the award presented in January 2007.
The award was inspired by the work of Colin Sanders, a local entrepreneur and inventor whose name lives on in the Colin Sanders Innovation Centre, where the final will take place.
David Saunders, Partner at Ellacotts LLP is on the judging panel of Banbury’s Innovation Awards and explains: “The Innovation award was an exciting and enjoyable event for all those involved last year. It was a great pleasure to see the benefit that entrants received from simply taking part because it gave them a chance to really consider their ideas in a structured way and have access to professional support from the local business community.”
“We are very pleased to continue to support the Innovation Awards and along with the other sponsors, Ellacotts will put forward taxation and accountancy support, to include business and personal taxation advice and to establish record keeping and business monitoring processes.”
Entrants have until November 24th to submit applications before a shortlist of finalists is decided on the 8th December. They will take part in a Dragons’ Den-style final in early January and try to impress a panel made up of David Saunders along with other business people. The prize for the winner includes trophy along with a whole range of business service advice. People who would like to enter the contest must have proposals for a new business or already have an existing business.
David concludes: “I feel it important to encourage people with innovative ideas in the Banbury area, we work closely with the SME sector in the area having given free advice at both the Banbury and Bicester business exhibitions this year – these events provide a real platform for us to be able to put something back into the community.”
