MORE than 150 entrepreneurs from across Scotland gathered for a business 'boot camp' in Glasgow.

The group took part in the eSpark training camp in a bid to boost their business skills and knowledge.

Held in the city centre, the week-long event taught the group vital skills in starting their own business, including market research and pitching strategies.

The attendees came from three start-up centres across the country - Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Ayrshire - to take part.

During Apprentice-style sessions, groups were tasked with inventing a new concept for tourism in Glasgow and had to present their plans yesterday afternoon during a fierce pitch-off contest.

Ken Whipp, an eSpark employee who helps to coach the entrepreneurs, said: "We sent them out onto the streets of Glasgow on a live challenge to put their skills into practice - talk to real people and find out about their experiences.

"Everyone has just gone in head first. For some people it's quite an unfamiliar process but others got on really well.

"It's a great programme to help businesses collaborate, learn from one another and share experiences."

Members of the team who came up with the best concept were awarded £500 each, with the best team leader being awarded an extra £250 to help fund their business.

To prepare, the would-be moguls took to the streets of Glasgow to seek inspiration and ideas.

Entrepreneur and mum-of-two Gillian Logan's invented Skinny Sketcher, a children's architecture game which helps to develop drawing skills.

The 39-year-old, who was one of 165 participants involved in the week-long programme, said: "Being here does put you in a different mind-set and makes you focus.

"I wasn't expecting that from it, so it has been a nice surprise.

"Working with so many other people has been really helpful too, as I've been working as a sole trader for years, and I've had great fun here."

"It can be quite isolating starting your own business so I'm really looking forward to having a bit more support."

John Wilmot, a 30-year-old from the South Side, enjoyed the programme, particularly taking to the streets of Glasgow to talk to people.

The father-of-one, who founded his company, Nameloop, with business partner Craig Bartholomew, said: "I wanted to sign up to eSpark and be part of the community, and the boot camp is a rite of passage to be part of it.

"This is my third start-up, so I feel relatively well-versed, but the main thing I've taken from it is the networking side.

"That's one of the most important things - there is a huge skill set and infrastructure behind it and everyone has different skills, which is great for learning.

"Getting out and chatting to tourists has been great fun. There's such a buzz about the city and when we did that at the weekend, the atmosphere in Glasgow was massive and you got to feel that.

"There was a real carnival atmosphere and that was the best bit for me."

Along with their pitching tasks, the groups were given seminars by business experts, including leaders from the Institute of Directors, Royal Bank of Scotland and IT experts NVT.

After the boot camp, the recruits will be put on a five-month business accelerator course, with mentors and further training.

hannah.rodger@ eveningtimes.co.uk