StartUp Britain UK bus tour back on the road for 2016

National enterprise campaign StartUp Britain re-launched its annual bus tour this week with an official opening ceremony at Buckingham Palace by HRH Duke of York.

The tour will visit a record 30 locations across England, Wales and Scotland over the next six weeks.

This is the fifth year for the tour, which looks to provide inspiration and support to thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs across the UK.

As well as recruiting local entrepreneurs in each town to offer free advice, lawyers and professional business advisors will also be brought on board to provide their expertise.

The tour will visit cities including Brighton Exeter, Cardiff, Newcastle and Edinburgh, with the “grand finale” taking place in London.

StartUp Britain was launched in 2011 by a group of eight successful entrepreneurs including regular Startups.co.uk contributor Oli Barrett MBE, Seven Hills co-founder Michael Hayman MBE, and Emma Jones MBE of Enterprise Nation.

Oli Barrett and Michael Hayman at the launch

In 2014, the Centre for Entrepreneurs took over the running of the organisation and it is now spearheaded by director Matt Smith.

On the bus tour launch, Smith commented: “By connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with those a few steps ahead of them, as well as supportive local organisations, we want to give people the confidence to turn their ideas into reality.”