A CHAMPION of micro-enterprises will advise on how to survive and thrive at the Venturefest science and technology exhibition.

Tony Robinson, co-founder of Enterprise Rockers, a national group which lobbies on behalf of businesses employing up to nine people, will speak at 10am at the event to be held at York Racecourse, on February 28.

Mr Robinson, who has an OBE for his services to enterprise, hopes to inspire those considering taking the plunge into self-employment and motivate those already running a micro-enterprise to keep going, even in the face of tough economic pressures and a lack of practical government support.

He said: “Micro-enterprises are the businesses that need our support as, with the right help, in the first 18 months for every 100 start-ups, 85 will survive beyond three years and six will become substantial, employing businesses. Stating up is easy, it’s the keeping going that counts and that’s often the time when things get tough and suddenly, no one seems to want to help.”