Neil Berkett, CEO of Virgin Media said, “We need to close the gap between the number of young people with a great idea and those who are able to make it happen. The digital world can open up new opportunities and experiences for people and, as a brand founded in entrepreneurial ambition, our partnership with Enterprise UK will help create an environment that supports the needs of potential entrepreneurs.”

Scott Cain, Deputy Chief Executive of Enterprise UK said: “Promoting entrepreneurship has never been more vital as entrepreneurs and their ideas have a critical role in driving the economic recovery. Our goal with Virgin Media is to equip disadvantaged young entrepreneurs to succeed. As one of the pioneers of broadband in the UK, Virgin Media is the perfect partner to bring together young entrepreneurs, experienced business people and experts and help harness a whole range of talents and release entrepreneurial ambition across the UK.”

The partnership with Enterprise UK continues Virgin Media’s commitment to bringing the benefits of broadband to a range of communities across the UK. Virgin Media has teamed up with the e-Learning Foundation, a registered charity dedicated to helping children from low income families get online, and has provided over 400 families, across five UK cities (Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, Nottingham and Newcastle upon Tyne) with free home access to the internet. Virgin Media has also worked with Digital Unite, an organisation that helps older people get online, to provide 17 sheltered housing schemes with a ‘get online’ package, including free broadband for a year, two computers per scheme, software and accessories, plus a seven-week training programme delivered by Digital Unite.