A NATIONAL enterprise campaign stopped in York yesterday on its bus tour of Britain, to offer advice and inspiration to new and established entrepreneurs.

StartUp Britain is a Government-backed campaign that launched in 2011 with the initiative of providing support, often in the form of start-up loans, to new and growing business across Britain.

The campaign is running its fourth bus tour of Britain, which stopped in St Sampson's Square yesterday to offer its service to the people of York.

The event saw everyone, from passer-bys with a farfetched idea, to early stage entrepreneurs and established business people, stopping by to seek advice or connect with local business advisors.

Matt Smith, director of the Centre for Entrepreneurs said York businesses are thriving and there is a healthy mix of business types that can rival other big cities.

He said: "There’s a very strong tourist trade, perhaps more so than places like Leeds and Manchester, which opens up a lot of opportunities for retail.

"For those who are starting out, don’t be afraid to ask for help, many people have faced those challenges already."

The campaign has already provided 59 loans, worth £380,000 to individuals in York, and 2,319 loans, worth £12.23 million to the rest of the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Hitesh Mistry, who is still in the early stages of his new business, That Legal Stuff based on Holgate said "you’ve got to get yourself out there” and recommended StartUp Britain as a means of exposure and support for new starters.

Budding entrepreneurs can get more advice at startupbritain.org.