Expanding g2i's footprint

25 October 2007

'If someone has their cahunas on the table, you tend to take more notice of them.' Such was PR man Mark Borkowski's take on the impact of the entrepreneur at this week's relaunch event for g2i.

Borkowski, who has represented Prince, Madonna - and Hovis bread - said it was the spirit of the kinds of start-ups g2i has fostered that keeps him excited about his work. 'It's a boom time in London, but there are a lot of carpet baggers out there,' he added. 'It's easier to work with someone who has a dream. But people who've built up their business by challenging ideas need support.'

G2i, which is backed by the London Development Agency (LDA), relaunched at the Dali Universe in the County Hall Gallery in London in front of an audience of investors, advisors, entrepreneurs and media. Building on the success of the programme so far in the technology sector, it's now extending out across industry, with a particular focus on the creative sector.

Glenn Stone, Grant Thornton's founding partner of the programme, said: 'G2i has run for three years and it's been the most successful investment programme in the country. We've brought 24 companies to investment readiness and raised £15 million. Now the LDA is extending it to all sectors, including the creative industries, which in London probably even outweigh the technology industry.'

Entrepreneurs who've been through the g2i programme typically point to a range of benefits, from strategic business planning advice to practical assistance on presenting to investors. G2i graduate Lee Henshaw spoke of how companies are 'grilled, challenged and encouraged' by tutors. In one test where he has tasked with selling to the MD of a company, he scored 95% - but this was an exercise in communication, and it quickly taught him an important lesson. 'Usually the conversation was 50-50 between the seller and the MD. But I was 95-5. The experience taught me to be a better listener.'

Like many others g2i graduates, he added that the programme also provides a level of reassurance. 'Suddenly you realise you're not alone. Other people are as daft as you. You see your business idea is not the best in the world, but it's not the worst either.'

By David Longworth