ONE of the most high-profile entrepreneurs in the UK is launching a nationwide tour to create 5,000 businesses in the next two years.

Doug Richard, one of the original stars of the TV series Dragons' Den, will today unveil ambitious plans to fasttrack aspiring entrepreneurs on the road to success.

Mr Richard will be joined by fellow Dragon Duncan Bannatyne in Newcastle today as he launches The Doug Richard Project - a series of "boot camp" giving advice and guidance to 200 fledgling businesspeople. The first event will be held at Newcastle University on February 27.

Mr Richard, who spent 20 years at the head of a number of technology and software ventures in the UK and US, said: "Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy, and the ultimate economic wellbeing of our country depends on ensuring that the UK is one of the best places in the world to start and run a small business.

"The aim of the project is to create an environment for success."

Mr Richard's visit to the region acknowledges the important role that small business enterprise has played in the economic recovery of the North-East, following the decline of traditional industries.

For more details, visit thedougrichardproject.com