Saturday, March 06, 2010, Derby Telegraph

A DRAGON’S Den-style competition to find Derby’s most promising entrepreneurs is a step closer to announcing the winner of its £20,000 top prize.

Seven companies have made it to the finals of Business Quest 2010, a competition organised by Derbyshire entrepreneur Peter Gadsby, in conjunction with the University of Derby.

It challenges Derby students and graduates to “pitch” their businesses to a panel of judges that will include Mr Gadsby, who is stumping up the first prize himself.

The winner will get £20,000-worth of business support, which may include rent-free or discounted business premises, or help with legal matters.

Finalists for Business Quest 2010 are: Wild Horse Tai Chi, fashion company Run-Rabbit-Run, sports agency Daniel Alexander Associates, Paul Cummins Ceramics, arts firm Subism, Dusk 2 Dawn Magazine and design and media company Revolver Revolver.

They will make their pitches at Mr Gadsby’s Pride Park offices on Wednesday and the winner will be announced at a ceremony at Pride Park Stadium later in the day.

Christopher Redshaw, of Revolver Revolver, said: “The business has been steadily growing over the last 18 months and this is a perfect time to get support.

“Winning would enable me to expand the studio.”

Mr Gadsby said: “There has been a lot of interest in the competition.

“I’m looking forward to the way the competitors structure their pitches. Convincing other people of the value of your business idea is a big part of being a successful entrepreneur.”