About Virgin Media Pioneers

The Virgin Media Pioneers programme launched in March 2010 to help fledging entrepreneurs kick-start successful businesses. Through a thriving online community of over 1500 likeminded people, members use videos and blogging to create a peer to peer network and support service.

The Virgin Media Pioneers scheme is free to join and includes business from all sorts of industries – from fashion to digital to catering. It produces original content especially targeted for early-stage entrepreneurs, including the online Pioneers TV series.  In addition, regular free events and unique opportunities are provided, such as the recent Spark Your Ideas event series, which saw local Pioneers at 5 locations across the country meet up for networking, expert marketing and branding training and inspiration from speakers including Justice Williams CBE and Lara Morgan.

The programme is actively supported by Sir Richard Branson, who recently hosted a lunch for a select group of Pioneers, providing invaluable advice and encouragement to the entrepreneurs.

Neil Berkett, Virgin Media CEO, says, ‘The UK is full of talent, ambition and ideas, but there are many obstacles to unlocking that potential and that is why we set up Virgin Media Pioneers. The societal importance of creating positive futures for young people has never been higher on the UK’s agenda and it is vital that we show them that starting their own business can be a viable alternative path.’

Case studies:

Ronke Igefrom south east London runs Natural skin care business Emi & Ben and has been a Pioneer since the community launched in March 2010. She got the idea for the business when, whilst pregnant with her daughter, she received a block of Pure Unrefined Shea butter from her Grandmother in Nigeria and spotted a gap in the market. Ronke is passionate about helping and inspiring other people to get involved in entrepreneurship. As part of the Virgin Media Pioneers scheme. Ronke has been matched with Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, founder of The Black Farmer food range, as a Mentor. She now and hopes to draw upon his retail and brand building experience to progress her business.

Virgin Media Pioneers member profile
www.emiandben.com

Charmaine Capener from Gloucestershire started her business Charmaine's Cupcakes in October 2010, after returning to work from maternity leave to find her hours significantly reduced. She decided to find her own solution and worked hard to turn her love of baking into a business. Charmaine recently won the opportunity to showcase her business amongst VIPs and celebrities at V Festival, through a competitive pitch process as part of the Virgin Media Pioneers programme. As a result, she received coverage in the national press and is now working hard to build on the buzz created around her innovative Cup-O-Cake range, all whilst balancing this with family life.

Virgin Media Pioneers member profile
www.charmainescupcakes.co.uk

Sign up for free to join the community and access unique opportunities at:
www.virginmediapioneers.com