Brighton and Hove's reputation as a hotbed of entrepreneurial talent has brought it to the attention of programme makers.

Two television production companies are searching for new businesses willing to share the highs and lows of setting up.

Brighton-based Ricochet South is looking for people who have given up the security of a monthly wage to pursue dreams of running their own business.

It was launched in 2000 as a regional office of Ricochet Films, which helped produce shows such as Nigella Bites and River Cottage Forever.

Ricochet South produced the successful Selling Houses and No Going Back series, both of which attracted more than 3.4 million Channel 4 viewers.

It is looking for a range of small businesses to follow for the make-or-break first year.

The company wants to take a "realistic look at what it is like to change your life and set up your own business".

Managing director Nick Powell said: "Our entrepreneurs won't have had any prior experience of running their own companies. They'll be ditching a salaried career and gambling everything on fulfilling their dream of running their own business.

"The series will be the mustsee for anyone who has ever thought of setting up a business and wants to know if the risk is worth it.

"It will be great publicity for the new businesses we follow with guaranteed audiences of millions."

London-based September Films has been commissioned by the BBC to produce a documentary series in Brighton and Hove called Making It.

It is searching for entrepreneurs probably aged between 25 and 35 years old with little or no experience of running a business who are setting up with two or more staff.

It said the people should be passionate, committed and not camera shy.

Alongside businesses which capture the flavour of Brighton and Hove, it will also feature more commonplace ventures.

For further information, call Kelly Edgson at September Films on 0208 5639393 or email kelly_edgson@hotmail.com For more details about the Ricochet South project, call Catherine Milne on 01273 648396 or email research@ricochetsouth.co.uk
Wednesday April 9 2003