11:52am Tuesday 12th January 2010
By Ron Godfrey
JUST how wise are you business-wise? Scores of professionals from York will soon compete for real cash to see who makes the most virtual profit from a thriving made-in-York computer game.
The event, organised by York Professionals, will take place on Tuesday, April 20, when 20 teams of four will have the opportunity to hone their entrepreneurship skills while competing against colleagues and opposition firms in both the real and virtual world.
The game is SimVenture, the award-winning business simulation challenge invented by York entrepreneur Peter Harrington and his computer-whizz brother Paul.
Under the brand Venture Simulations Ltd, licences for Peter and Paul’s creation have been bought by universities, colleges and schools throughout Britain and overseas.
In the same way that rookie pilots learn to fly in simulated cockpits, SimVenture offers fledgling entrepreneurs the opportunity to crash, burn and learn over and over again without losing a penny.
More experienced business people making profit-affecting choices from the myriad pieces of advice and data the game offers, can be expected to do well, but will they?
Peter Harrington said: “Our aim is to change the way people learn about business and enterprise and to inspire them to achieve more than they thought possible. It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to showcase SimVenture in its home town.”
Meanwhile as organiser, York Professionals is getting to grip with the game. Its director, Tracey Smith, was seen this week challenging Peter to a SimVenture battle.
Available on the night will be at least £200 in cash prizes along with SimVenture licences, but sponsorship to boost the rewards is being sought. Bookings for the event, which is being held from 5.30pm-8.30pm on Tuesday, April 20, have just opened. The venue will depend on the level of response.
Barry Crux, director of York Professionals who leads the events group, said: “SimVenture highlights the needs of start-ups and will help us to understand how entrepreneurs work so we can provide effective professional services to assist their growth into successful businesses.”
Teams of four can enter at a cost of £50 per team by emailing hjackson@york-professionals.co.uk
Sponsors can phone Helen Jackson on 01904 236110.
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