Blenheim on the hunt for Entrepreneurs

Interviewer: Stephanie Duncan Photography: Studio8

Working in partnership with the FAB Accelerator team, the Oxfordshire Estate has put together its own programme to support locally-based firms.

The opportunity is open to any business which is less than two years old or has fewer than five employees, is based within 20 miles of Blenheim, and can provide something which could be stocked in their shops or cafes.

Applications will need to be submitted by the end of April when successful candidates will be selected to go forward and pitch their ideas to Blenheim’s senior management team over the summer.

After undergoing presentation training, they will take part in a final pitch at the start of July when the winning applicant will be selected and awarded with a contract to supply their products to the Estate’s retail or catering outlets.

In addition to the contract, the winner will also receive ongoing tips and advice from members of the Blenheim management team.

“Blenheim has been the lifeblood of the local economy since the time of the First Duke,” said CEO, Dominic Hare.

“As part of our stated goal to triple our economic contribution to the local community within 10 years, we’re committed to utilising Blenheim as a platform to provide start-up businesses with support and a busy marketplace to showcase their products.

“Initially we are inviting people who can supply us with products for either our retail or catering outlets, however the plan is to expand this to other business sectors in the future.

“By using the expertise and experience of the FAB Accelerator team, we’ve set up our own programme to identify, support and develop exciting new businesses in the area.

“The failure rate of startups within their first couple of years is extremely high. We believe this scheme will not only provide great new products for Blenheim but also help to ensure more businesses survive and thrive,” he added.

The brainchild of Fabulous Bakin’ Boys’ founder Gary Frank, FAB was Oxford’s first accelerator programme for ambitious entrepreneurs and startups.

Anyone interested in taking part in the Start Ups for Blenheim competition can find out full details and enter online at blenheimpalace.com/startupsforblenheim