Milton Keynes will welcome the Dream Machine next week, giving anyone the chance to pitch their business ideas to some of the world’s leading entrepreneurs.
The mobile platform, created by entrepreneur Richard Hayes and backed by Simon Squibb and Sir Richard Branson, will be in Milton Keynes from Tuesday 2 to Thursday 4 September. Its mission: to give people from all walks of life the chance to share their ideas and potentially turn them into reality.
The Dream Machine is no ordinary van. On its back door sits a Ring doorbell, where aspiring founders can record a 60-second pitch. The clips are then shared on social media for review by leading figures in business and entrepreneurship.
Among those supporting the initiative are:
-
Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group
-
Simon Squibb, HelpBnk founder
-
Simon Sinek, leadership expert and author
-
James Watt, co-founder of BrewDog
-
Richard Harpin, founder of HomeServe
Supporters say each pitch has the potential to unlock mentorship, funding, and connections through the HelpBnk community, as well as through Virgin StartUp.
Simon Squibb, who launched HelpBnk to support early-stage entrepreneurs, said the Dream Machine was about opening doors. “This gives anyone, anywhere the opportunity to pitch their dream — no networks, no gatekeepers, just a chance to be heard,” he said.
The Dream Machine has already visited towns and cities across the UK, inspiring thousands to step up and share their ideas. Its arrival in Milton Keynes gives people across the region the chance to do the same.
Follow the journey online and keep an eye out for where to find the Dream Machine in Milton Keynes:
@thedreammachinewithrich | @doorbellofdreams | @helpbnk | @simonsquibb | @richardbranson
