Having networked all my life and been advising and mentoring SMEs for ten years, I have been invited to work closely with the iconic Virgin brand to introduce their Virgin StartUp programme locally and regionally.

Virgin StartUp is the not-for-profit Virgin company for entrepreneurs. They provide government-backed Start Up Loans and one-to-one business advice to entrepreneurs launching or growing a business in England or Scotland.

Applicants can borrow up to £25,000 at fixed 6% interest p.a. over 1-5 year loan term. In addition, they receive free mentoring.

I will enjoy sharing my experience and knowledge with mentees. Within a 7 year period, I built and lost everything twice. Consequently, I learned valuable lessons that give me a unique insight into building and growing a business and is how I created and developed the entrepreneurial spirit that has led me to where I am today. With a no-nonsense approach, I am able to advise and encourage without judgement, and to support mentees at such a crucial stage in their business.

Passion, experience, adaptation and diversification are key to a successful business life and I welcome this opportunity to share how I have developed this ethos with Virgin Start Up mentees.

For full details of the Virgin StartUp programme, visit https://www.virginstartup.org/

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