THE co-founders of a multi-million pound gourmet sweet company are speaking in Brighton next Wednesday.

Jamie Laing and Ed Williams, founders of Candy Kittens, will be speaking at an event hosted by StartUpU, the regional delivery partners in Sussex for Virgin StartUp.

Virgin Startup is Richard Branson’s not for profit company helping entrepreneurs start new businesses.

Its headquarters are in Paddington, London, but as StartUpU it opened a regional office at PLatf9rm in Brighton last July.

It has been hosting monthly events since then.

“Start Your Business in 2018” is being hosted on January 17 from 6pm until 8.30pm at the office in North Road.

Jamie Laing and Ed Williams will reveal how they started their businesses and give tips on how you can start yours.

Organiser Alex Chisnall said: “The fact is 2018 is the best time there has ever been to start your own business.

“You can do it faster than ever, for as cheap as ever with more support around to help you than ever before.

“This event will focus on how you can take advantage of this opportunity.

“We’ll be looking at everything from how to fund your business idea, how to validate your business idea, how to attract your first customers and finally what steps you need to complete to hit that launch button.

“There will be complimentary drinks, nibbles and Candy Kittens sweets with opportunities for networking with like-minded entrepreneurs either side of the speakers.

“Regular inspiring networking events in Brighton bring attention to the availability of funding, mentoring, training and support provided by StartUpU for would-be entrepreneurs.

“StartUpU is about giving a leg-up to start-ups, not just through Virgin StartUp funding but by providing the training and mentorship entrepreneurs need to start their own business.”

In 2012, alongside his role on award-winning reality TV series Made in Chelsea, Jamie Laing launched Candy Kittens, an innovative, gourmet sweet range.

Jamie said: “The idea is held together by a shared passion of leading the change in confectionery – without compromise – using natural colourings and flavours and being gluten free.

“The company has secured a nationwide listing with Tesco and also provides stock for Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Topshop and Selfridges.

“I used to reference Candy Kittens on Made In Chelsea many times but now the show no longer drives customers to the brand.

“At the very beginning, I think Made In Chelsea helped.”

Now Candy Kittens is a business in its own right.

He brought in Ed Williams to manage the day-to-day running of the business after his TV commitments made running the business impossible.

Their partnership has enabled the company to flourish and they now export to 15 countries and generate millions of pounds.

To buy tickets from just £10 go to http://bit.ly/2BsVDJn or email alex.chisnall@virginstartup.org.