BUDDING entrepreneurs can get a masterclass in setting up on their own when a pop-up business school comes to Newbury.

PopUp Business School will be found in the Kennet Centre on August 23 and 24 and will offer budding businessmen and women support to test their ideas, free workshops and even a shop front to showcase their business.

The idea is the brainchild of Alan Donegan and Simon Paine, who decided to challenge the traditional system of start-ups five years ago.

Mr Paine said: “You don’t need a business plan to start, you need hope, confidence and a customer. When you get those three things, go get some more.”

Working with West Berkshire Council, the Kennet Centre and Jobcentre Plus, PopUp Business School is designed to help people find the confidence to put their business ideas into practice.

Mr Donegan added: “We specifically want to meet people who find it harder to start. People who are fed up with the daily grind and want to try something new.

“Business has changed so much that there are more possibilities than ever to get an idea off the ground, even if you haven’t got any money.”

In just five years the pair have transformed their idea in to a national enterprise that has helped hundreds of people kick-start their commercial dreams – 50 per cent of people who go along have their own business up and running within two weeks.

There will be a number of workshops looking at subjects such as how to start a business with no money and how to make a brilliant website for free.

Alan Law, West Berkshire’s executive member for economic development, added: “The PopUp Business School has a proven track record of getting businesses started with little or no financial outlay within two weeks.

“This is a no risk strategy and I would urge anyone who has been wondering if their business idea could take off but haven’t been in a position to press ‘go’ to take advantage of this one off opportunity.”