Ex-Dragon plans to fire up Coventry academics to be more enterprising

Feb. 2, 2011 - PRLog -- A former ‘dragon’ and the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship (NCGE) have teamed up to bring an important new programme to Coventry University on February 10 with the aim of supporting, encouraging and informing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Doug Richard from the Dragon’s Den TV show, will use the free seminar to share tips, examples and case studies to stimulate a more entrepreneurial approach to business start-ups and to encourage people to make the most of their ideas.

The seminar, which takes place at the University’s Alan Berry Building (opposite the Cathedral) between 3 – 7pm on Thursday 10 February will have six streams of activity ranging from how to set up a business/spin out to securing income for research (this applies to those engaged with academic research).

Although mainly geared towards people working or studying in higher education, the seminar is also open to anyone interested in finding out more about setting up their own enterprise.

Ian Robertson, CEO of the NCGE, said:

“The UK is going through a period of rapid change. The economic downturn and the increased competitiveness from other nations means that our universities have to deliver greater impact through their research.

“We want to help them do that in the most practical way possible. We are therefore delighted to be working with someone of Doug Richard’s standing. I can think of no-one better to inspire and educate our academics.”

For more information and to register for the event at Coventry University go to www.enterprisingacademic.co.uk

-Ends-

For further information contact Ali Bushnell, External Press and Media Relations Officer, Coventry University, on 024 7688 8245.

Note to editors:

The National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship was set up in 2004 to cultivate
entrepreneurship in higher education. It does this by helping graduates to start businesses through a number of programmes and by changing behaviour in Higher Education.

# # #

The External Communications team from Coventry University promotes a wide range of initiatives, services, success stories and other related aspects of Higher Education and the achievements of its staff and students as well as comment pieces from experts.