12 start-ups given the opportunity to pitch their ideas at Conservative Party Conference

London, 23 May 2013 - For the third year running Fujitsu is pleased to be supporting the Start-Up Hub at this year’s Conservative Party Conference.  The national competition provides the opportunity for 12 new businesses to demonstrate their ideas and designs during the four day conference which runs from Sunday 29 September to Wednesday 2 October in Manchester.

Prime Minister David Cameron has called on start-up business and entrepreneurs across the UK to get involved in the programme and win the opportunity to showcase their work in front of thousands of visitors.  He said:”The Conservative Party believes that the small business and entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the UK economy. To show our continued commitment to British enterprise and entrepreneurs I am pleased that the conservatives are once again running the Start-Up Hub at our conference.  I support this initiative and encourage start-ups and entrepreneurs to apply.”

Duncan Tait, CEO, Fujitsu UK & Ireland commented: “We are delighted to be supporting the Start-Up Hub initiative again.  As one of the world’s largest ICT providers, Fujitsu works with hundreds of UK-based SMEs to help deliver the innovation and flexibility our customers need.  Our own experience shows how close collaboration between big business and SMEs can really drive growth of UK plc.”

Former 2012 winner, Mark Thompson from ACEON, said: “Showing our vision and ambition at the Start-Up Hub for our Solar Off Grid projects has started a project with the UN. Fantastic networking opportunity to launch our brand and product!”

In order to win a chance to appear at the Start-Up Hub, ideas must be submitted to the Conservative Party before June 28h. Application is through the website at www.conservatives.com/startuphub. The winners will be chosen by a panel of experts, chaired by Damian Collins MP, and including leading business representatives from Fujitsu and the BVCA.