Wolverhampton Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will have the chance to win £10,000 of support and advice from KPMG in the 'Wolves' Den' during the city's Business Week.

Type=image;ImageID=10577;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Dare you enter the Wolves' Den;TitleClass=strong;

City of Wolverhampton Council has joined forces with the leading professional services firm to offer eight slots to local SMEs, who will then pitch to a panel of experienced business professionals and partners from KPMG.

The format will follow a similar approach to the popular BBC TV series 'Dragons' Den' and pitches will be made between 9.30am and 4.30pm on Friday, September 30, in Suite 20 of the Billy Wright Stand, at Molineux Stadium, Waterloo Road.

Councillor John Reynolds, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy said: "SMEs make up a big part of the Wolverhampton business community at over 80%.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for them to bid for expert advice from a global name like KPMG.

"We are delighted such a prominent firm is showing such support for our city - and in particular Business Week."

The event is aimed at businesses who are trying to solve a really important problem and who would benefit from KPMG's range of services.

It may be a problem with strategy, route to market, technology, workforce management, taxation, financing, transformation, growth or anything else that is important to supporting the development of the business.

KPMG will agree the package of support services to be delivered to the two winning businesses - there is no cash alternative.

Businesses will be able to book one of the slots - on a first come, first served basis - by emailing steph.topping@kpmg.co.uk between 9am on Monday, September 12 and 5pm on Friday, September 16.

In preparing a pitch, businesses should think about how they will explain the nature, strategy and size of their business, financial performance, the issue they are attempting to solve, and the benefit they believe the support services from KPMG will deliver to their business.

All participants will receive helpful observations and advice on the day from the panel, so even if they do not win, there is something in it for them.

Adrian Fieldhouse, Director at KPMG, added: "We are delighted to be participating in the City of Wolverhampton Business Week and we are excited to support the city's vibrant Small and Medium Enterprise business community through the Wolves' Den event.

"Thriving SME businesses are key to a resilient and growing economy, and in Wolverhampton, there is a great environment for people to establish and grow their businesses.

"KPMG is a large employer in the Midlands and when the city council approached us to support Business Week, we were keen to seize the opportunity to support investment in the community through this exciting and unique event."

For more information, please contact Adrian with any pitching enquires by emailing adrian.fieldhouse@kpmg.co.uk, or for logistical enquiries, send an email to steph.topping@kpmg.co.uk.

Business Week takes place from Monday, September 26 to Friday, September 30. For a full programme of events please visit Type=links;Linkid=7513;Title=Wolverhampton Business Week;Target=_blank;.

  • released: Wednesday 7 September, 2016