AN entrepreneur who made it to the semi-finals of Richard Branson’s business competition wants to shake up the music industry by discovering and developing artists through video.

Harriet Jordan-Wrench, 31, Brighton, beat thousands of entrants to make it through to the final 40 of the Virgin Media Business VOOM competition.

She said: “Becoming a semi-finalist has really benefited my business as it has been a great experience to work through the structure of putting a five-year business forecast together.”

The competition process included pitches, a public vote and a 29-hour Guinness World Record Pitchathon to find Britain’s brightest business.

With support from the Good Story charity, she is now looking to take her business to the next stage.

Harriet launched Secret Sessions on YouTube five years ago, giving filming opportunities to upcoming artists.

She has worked with top industry names including Ed Sheeran, Jessie J, Passenger, Rizzle Kicks and Ben Howard.

Harriet wants to her business to disrupt the music industry by giving musicians opportunities through video content and live shows as she feels the industry has made it harder for artists to earn money.

Two years ago, Harriet approached Good Story, a Suffolk based charity that helps the creative people aged 18 to 30 with funding and mentoring.

After receiving investment to launch a new website, the entrepreneur launched Artist Accelerator, which allows musicians to upload content and interact directly with fans.

Artists also have the chance to win investment from brands including The Hospital Club, a club that offers those in the creative industries, facilities to create music, connect and collaborate with others.

Harriet said: “I’ve already been approached by investors, which is fantastic and the new website has proven a hit with over 300 artists already signed up and 10,000 music fans visiting the site.”

Malcolm McAllister, chairman of Good Story, said: “Everyone at Good Story is incredibly proud not only of Harriet, but also how we have helped her take Secret Sessions from an idea in her head to the current website.

"We think big things lie ahead for Harriet who is really passionate about supporting upcoming musical talent. We are delighted that our charity could be a part of Harriet’s journey.”