Chance for entrepreneurs to make their pitch to experts

AN event for people with new businesses or plans for one will be held at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston in May.

The New Start Scotland exhibition will feature the chance to get face-to-face advice, along with a series of seminars and workshops.

Among those presenting will be entrepreneur and online Dragon’s Den star Shaf Rasul, Finance Secretary John Swinney and the founding retail director of Matalan, Duncan Sutherland.

There will be a Bright Business competition, where pitches can be made to a panel of judges, with a prize of £5000 cash and up to £30,000 of support services up for grabs.

There will be more than 120 exhibitors, including those offering discounts, promotions and giveaways, with demonstrations of new products and technology designed to aid businesses.

The event will take place on May 25 and 26, from 10am to 4pm each day.

Advice on business plans will also be available.