Entrepreneurs invited to pitch to BBC Dragon at Wiltshire Business Expo

Local entrepreneurs are being offered the chance to pitch their business to a former BBC Dragons’ Den investor at next month’s West Wiltshire Business Expo. 

The Expo, taking place at The Civic in Trowbridge on Thursday 8th October, is inviting early-stage, product-based business founders preparing for their first investment to pitch their proposals to a panel of experienced entrepreneurs and business mentors. 

 

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The Dragons include former BBC Dragons’ Den investor Nick Jenkins, who founded the global online greeting cards and gifting company Moonpig in 1999. The business grew to five million customers before being sold in 2011 for £120 million. 

The ‘Get Investment Ready’ Dragons’ Den session will give entrepreneurs the chance to test their pitches and receive valuable feedback and advice ahead of their first investment pitches. 

Nick said, “I am very excited to be helping Wiltshire businesses on their journey. The Dragons’ Den is a great opportunity for the founders of Wiltshire businesses to fine tune their business pitches and get ready for their first investments.” 

Joining Nick on the panel will be Monty George, co-founder of the Wiltshire-based online furniture brand Furniturebox, which has a turnover exceeding £25 million and recently opened a £3m distribution centre in Chippenham and Wiltshire entrepreneur and angel investor Joanna Jenson, who built Childs Farm into the UK’s No.1 baby and child toiletries brand, before selling the business to PZ Cussons for £68 million in 2022.

The free-to-attend Business Expo, organised by Trowbridge Chamber CIC in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), will run from 9am-5pm, with a Networking Breakfast at 8am.

The event will feature more than 40 regional exhibitors and offers opportunities to network, promote your business and hear from speakers on topics including AI, finance, marketing, cyber security, sustainability and investing in Wiltshire. 

Speakers include the Leader and Cabinet Members of Wiltshire Council, West Wiltshire MPs, Wiltshire Mayors and senior representatives from businesses including Apetito, Nutricia, Good Energy, Monahans, Danone, Wiltshire Farm Foods and Wiltshire College & University Centre. 

Entrepreneurs wishing to apply for the Dragons’ Den session are invited to email dragons@trowbridgechamber.com to request an application form. 

Free tickets for the West Wiltshire Business Expo can be booked via Eventbrite. For further information about exhibiting or sponsorship, contact info@trowbridgechamber.com.