A NEW business venture is being set up to give Worcestershire entrepreneurs the chance to attract high-profile investors.

Day To Pitch Events is the brainchild of businesswoman Claire Taylor who has invested £80,000 to establish the business as a ‘one stop funding shop’ to connect local entrepreneurs with experienced business backers.

The cornerstone of the firm’s services will be one-to-one ‘Dragons’ Den’ style pitches which will see local entrepreneurs selling their business plans to a possible investor.

The first funding event, which will also give attendees the opportunity to exhibit their products and services, network and take part in business workshops, takes place over two days at Droitwich’s Chateau Impney hotel on May 1-2.

Almost 30 investors have already signed up and include Darren Richards, the dotcom millionaire who formed online dating service DatingDirect.com which he sold six years ago for £30 million. Mr Richards now owns EstatesDirect. com. Ms Taylor said: “Over the past few years I was constantly hearing tales of woe from business owners who were panicking about the lack of financial support banks were giving them in the wake of the financial crisis.

“Some entrepreneurs even saw their ideas fall away because the funding just wasn’t available from reluctant banks.

“That’s an unhealthy position for budding entrepreneurs to be in so I felt there had to be something to help ease the pressure and give small firms the exposure and financial backing they need.

“We have lined up almost 30 investors already for our launch event.

“These are people who are genuinely interested in investing in, and coaching, local business people who must prove they have viable business plans.”

The business pitches will be on a one-to-one basis in front of investors who have a common business interest.

More details are available from daytopitchevents.co.uk or telephone 0121 439 5958 or 07775 329703.

The event will also support the Prince’s Trust and Worcester Snozelen charities.