Huge numbers of budding entrepreneurs visit London's largest free event for new businesses organised by Imperial.

More than 400 entrepreneurs ranging from students, alumni and those who work in the healthcare sector gathered at Imperial’s Dispatch Day to network and get support specific for their business ventures.

Advice stalls were set up for entrepreneurs to have one-to-one conversations with a range of people from organisations such as Start Up Loans, a government-funded scheme that provides loans and mentoring to entrepreneurs. Other organisations were also on hand to look at business plans, evaluate business ideas and answer questions from visitors. They included Sirius (UK Trade and Investment), Microsoft Ventures and Level39.

Visitors to the Dispatch Day had the opportunity to talk through their business ideas with people from organisations who provided hands-on assistance to develop and grow new companies. Assistance ranged from access to finance, mentoring and support networks to providing legal advice on trademarking products.

More than 30 companies gave presentations on topics ranging from how to launch a new business to building a network of contacts.

The idea behind Dispatch Day was to give entrepreneurs with a new business or idea the chance to find the right avenue for their ideas to become successful.

The event was devised by Dr Marco Mongiello, Director of MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Management, at Imperial College Business School. The aim of the event was to contribute to the UK entrepreneurial eco-system by fostering greater chances of connecting entrepreneurs with organisations that can guide them on how to increase their business visibility and attractiveness to potential investors.

Maxine Myers caught up with Dr Marco Mongiello from Imperial College Business School, representatives from companies and visitors at the event.