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Graduate entrepreneurs come to UK as next generation of SME operators

A new group of graduate entrepreneurs from around the world have come to the UK to start their businesses, under a new programme devised by UKTI.

The Sirius Programme aims to bring aspiring entrepreneurs to the UK in the hope they will provide employment and prosperity.

An initial seven start-ups, made up of 19 young entrepreneurs from 13 countries including India, China, Italy, Germany, Canada, Kenya, New Zealand, and Nigeria will now begin to build their businesses in the UK.

The Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Lord Livingston, said: “The Sirius Programme will back the most talented teams and ensure the UK continues to lead in inspirational start ups and being the first to market with innovations.

“Looking at the high calibre of entries we have received for this programme, it is clear that Britain is fast becoming the country of choice for talented graduates to start and grow their businesses, which will ultimately help our economy to grow, boost productivity and create jobs, and succeed in the global race.”

The start-ups include ‘ToBe’, founded by ex-professional footballer Tim Brown from New Zealand, who aims to develop the world’s first ever seamless, sock-free running shoe.

Elsewhere, Benjamin Harriman and Arthur Kay of UK start-up Bio-Bean are creating green energy by converting waste coffee grounds into biofuel, an idea not in use by any other company that came to designer Arthur whilst designing a coffee roasting plant and coffee shop.

Entrepreneurs on the scheme receive a package of support, including mentoring, help gaining clients, financial support of £12,000 per team member and visa endorsement. The enterprises will be 100% owned by the graduate teams, and no equity is taken.

More information on the Sirius Programme can be found here.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .