We're pleased to announce OBAS CEO Norman Tenray has been appointed as a Virgin StartUp Mentor.


Virgin StartUp aims to change the prospects of start-ups for good. It is a not-for-profit company founded by Virgin Management to help new businesses get funding, get a mentor and get ahead.

Since launching in late 2013, the company has agreed funding for 400 new businesses with an average value of £7,900 each, totalling over £3m. It has also secured the support of business men and woman from across the UK, each of whom will offer a local start-up business one-on-one mentoring over a full-year.


As a Delivery Partner of the StartUp Loans scheme, the funding Virgin StartUp offers is in the form of a loan provided by the Government. The scheme is able to provide business loans of £500-£25,000, plus top-up options (up to the maximum of £25,000 per co-Founder). The funding enables entrepreneurs to access support without giving away equity at the early stages, when it can be hard to work out how much a business is worth.


During 2014, Virgin StartUp has met over 6,000 aspiring entrepreneurs and provided training for over 1000. Additionally, the scheme also offers advisory content and business resources, which have been accessed by over 220,000 people.
Commenting on his appointment Tenray said: “I’m tremendously honoured to have been appointed as a Virgin StartUp Mentor.


“I’ve been a business mentor for a wide variety of businesses over the years and I’ve taken a great deal of satisfaction from assisting with the development of both the businesses and business owners I’ve worked with.


“Virgin StartUp is a fantastic organisation that works hard to ensure entrepreneurs have access to mentorship and finances when their businesses need it most. I’m incredibly excited about the opportunities to work with the new and upcoming businesses on the programme.”


Of Tenray’s appointment Mei Shui, MD of Virgin StartUp said: “Virgin StartUp Mentors are chosen because of their business expertise and shared commitment to support the next generation of home-grown businesses. We’re delighted to have Norman on board and expect his breadth of valuable experience to benefit businesses in the Virgin StartUp programme.”


Outside his role as CEO of OBAS, Tenray is also a Director and acting President of the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Member of the Global Accreditation Board of the British Chambers of Commerce, Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Lancaster, Committee Member – BCC UK & Global Accreditation Board (British Chambers of Commerce), Assessor of the Association of Business Schools Small Business Charter, Fellow of the Community Foundation for Lancashire and member of the Bank of England Advisory Board.