A BUSINESSMAN looking for investment opportunities following the sale of his company, has teamed up with a well known figure in the south Wiltshire business community to set up an organisation to help entrepreneurs finance their ventures.

Tim Baker, who lives near Downton, built up a company providing ID cards with a range of applications for use by schoolchildren.

After selling his enterprise, he met up with long-term friend George Trytsman, chairman of the Salisbury branch of the Federation of Small Businesses.

The two got talking and Mr Baker said he wanted to “make a difference” to local entrepreneurs who have good business ideas, but cannot get the money to turn them into reality, or those looking to grow their firms.

The conversation led a month later to the founding of MAD Knights - the letters MAD standing for Make A Difference.

MAD Knights gives local entrepreneurs the chance to present their business to potential investors at a quarterly Knights’ Court.

Four Knights will hear presentations from seven candidates and will ask them questions before making their decisions as to whether to invest in the venture or not. Mr Baker and Mr Trytsman believe that as little as £5,000 can make a real difference to a fledgling business.

Typically entrepreneurs will ask for investment between £5,000 and £50,000 and will also benefit from the Knights’ expertise and advice.

“This is an easier route than bank finance and more supportive,” said Mr Baker.

“We are looking for innovative ideas, new concepts and products.”

Mr Trytsman said: “It’s open to any business that needs an investment to grow.

“The investors all have tremendous business experience and all offer mentoring, coaching and guidance, which the small business does not get from anywhere else - it comes as part of the investment.”

The first court takes place in Salisbury on December 8 and is open to applicants in the SP postcode area.

For more information and to download an application form, visit www.madknights.co.uk.

A full interview with Tim Baker and George Trytsman appears in the next issue of In Business, published on October 29.