Fareham firm Unite Telecoms launches Dragons' Den inspired competition for an entrepreneur to win 'business in a box'

Unite Telecoms, in Fort Fareham Trading Estate, Fareham, has set up a Dragons’ Den inspired event to support budding entrepreneurs, boost the local business community and raise money for charity.

Budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to present their business plans to a panel of judges at an event hosted by Unite Telecoms at the Ageas Bowl in January 23.

The competition will give one winner everything their business needs to succeed, including a telecoms system, six months rent, accountancy, telemarketing and networking.

The winner will also benefit from a sales telephone bootcamp run by Benjamin Denahee, Google and Facebook ad words set up and £1,000 worth of video production.

The event was the brainchild of Unite Telecoms founders Tim Duncombe and Charlie Carpenter, who started the firm two years ago.

Tim, from Gosport, said: ‘We are trying to do things a bit differently from other telecoms firms. This year we have won an award for being the best broadband provider in the UK and we are shortlisted for two more in the English Veterans Awards.

‘We know that times have been tough and we wanted to share the love.

‘We wanted to hold a charity event to support the local community and things went from there. Lots of local businesses have got in touch and said they wanted to help too, it’s a great way to support the local community and to kick-start the local economy.’

Unite Telecoms was named as Best Broadband Provider at the The Corporate LiveWire South England Prestige Awards earlier this year.

The firm, which employs 12 staff, has also been shortlisted in two categories in the English Veterans Awards, due to be announced in October.

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Tim served in the Royal Navy before working in telecoms when he left. Tim and Charlie set up Unite Telecoms in Charlie’s living room in Gosport in November 2018.

Tim, 34, said: ‘We know how difficult it can be to start a business in normal circumstances, without the economy in such a dire state, we felt that we needed to do our bit to help.

‘The winner will basically get business in a box. We know from setting up our own business what things are needed. It would be great to give this to someone else and to help them grow their business. It is about creating a community of businesses that can support each other and thrive.'

Applicants can apply online at unitetelecoms.co.uk/unite-telecoms-does-dragons-den

Applicants will be shortlisted by Monday, November 30.

Money raised at the final in January will go to Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity that supports children who have lost a parent who served in the armed forces.

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