Dragons’ Den-style £35,000 win for entrepreneur Alex Weston - VIDEO

AERIAL platform entrepreneur Alex Weston is really on the up - after winning a Dragons’ Den-style regional business prize worth over £35,000.

The 22-year-old gets office space at an innovation centre for a year, a corporate branding package, support with internet marketing, SEO planning, accountancy and employment law.

He wins free website hosting for a year, Google places listing, IP protection support, a day’s conference room hire, print and telecommunications prizes plus the use of a business mentor.

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Six entrepreneurs reached the final and each presented their idea to business leaders who formed a judging panel.

“I was incredibly nervous giving my presentation but I’m so delighted to have won. The prizes will help me strive to build a successful business,’’ said Alex, of Matilsa Platforms UK, in Mansfield, crowned winner of the Spark@Notts event.

“ I really appreciate the support and advice from the judges over the last few weeks and what Oxford Innovation and Nottinghamshire County Council have done to help me get to this position.”

Headed up by Oxford Innovation, plans are now being considered to roll it out in other regions all over the country to help kick-start plans for new business ventures.

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Five other entrepreneurs reached the final - including runners up Charlie Bailey, from Of The Dayy, and Hugh Frost, from To You. The others were Wishlamp, Sustainable Development Bureau and Career Maze.

“Starting up a business in today’s economic climate can be a difficult and daunting prospect, so this initiative has been designed as an interactive process providing support for the finalists to build a credible business model that will deliver success and sustained profits,’’ said

Rachel Panther, regional director for the East Midlands at Oxford Innovation.

The judging panel consisted of Chris Allington, managing director of Oxford Innovation; Keith Girling, Nottinghamshire County Council’s business engagement champion; Tom Mawhood, private equity investment manager and consultant; Pat Nice, co-owner of Newark-based Forlinux; and Rick Norsworthy, innovation specialist and business consultant.

For more information visit www.spark-notts.co.uk.