Dragon Lady on Hunt for Entrepreneurs

Rachel Elnaugh, one of the UK's best known businesswomen and star of the BBC's Dragons' Den, is on the hunt for entrepreneurs to take on the challenge of launching and running a new, on-line web-based directory and information resource for local people - Yourhomepagein.co.uk.

Yourhomepagein.co.uk is a Franchise operation run for local people, by local people, providing essential information about local businesses and services. It sits as a home page on one's PC giving information on local news, the weather, local events, local restaurants etc - indeed any and all information that is relevant to the local community. All that is required is someone to run it as Rachel explains:

"For it to succeed requires the passion of a local entrepreneur committed to their local community, who is not afraid of hard work and who wants to be well rewarded for the effort that they put in," she says. "That person could be anyone who wants to work for themselves, to be their own boss, and make good returns, whilst providing a service that supports local businesses and the local economy."

The launch comes at a time of a backlash against many of the out-of-town retail parks across several towns in the UK as local people fight to bring back their local High Street. Yourhomepagein is not only an exciting opportunity for the local entrepreneur with the vision to carry it forward, but also all of the local businesses, traders, restaurants etc that take part.

"To every new business venture there is a risk, but it is unusual to find such an opportunity where the cost of entry is comparatively low and the risk minimal," Rachel adds. "The franchise model is an excellent way for individuals to start a business, and learn what they are truly capable of, with the resources and support in place to help them. The brand execution of Yourhomepagein is well thought-through and professional in its design, and is an exciting opportunity for any would-be entrepreneur," she says.

Mike English, the man who first came up with the idea for Yourhomepagein is equally excited about the launch: "Yourhomepagein is good news for the local entrepreneur who seizes the opportunity but also for every local business and trader who gets involved," he says.

"Unlike other on-line directories that are essentially 'static', Yourhomepagein is a dynamic site that is regularly updated, and where the information has real meaning and significance to local people. Ultimately it is hoped that we can develop the concept still further to include a loyalty programmer for those using the site."

Rachel Elnaugh is to be the keynote speaker at the forthcoming National Franchise Exhibition, 6 - 7th October 2006 at the NEC, Birmingham.