Got a business idea? How to get funding - and get rich!

The UK technology industry could spearhead the country's financial fightback, pulling Britain out of recession and into prosperity, experts believe.

Companies have sprung up around the UK to help young people turn dreams into reality.

People with ideas can find companies who will help out with office space, computer expertise, and even training in computer coding.

A government 'Start-up Loans' scheme aims to lend up to £2,500 to 30,000 new start-ups every year.

According to right-wing think tank Policy Exchange, increasing Government investment in hi-tech infrastructure and more technical IT education in schools and colleges would provide the backbone needed for a new generation of digital entrepreneurs to succeed.

A quarter of the UK's growth in the last five years has come from the digital economy.

In its Bits and Billions report, Policy Exchange comment: "The exciting digital startups emerging across the UK will have a real and lasting impact on the economy if – and only if – they scale up.

"In time, these will be the businesses that deliver disruptive innovations, anchor an ecosystem of customers and suppliers, and generate growth, wealth and jobs."

At Google Campus in London's Shoreditch, dozens of small young startups are able to come together to share advice and skills as well as learn from Google employees.

Head of Campus Eze Vidra said: "This is a particularly important time. The growth is going to come from young early stage companies working in digital and the internet. We should do everything we can to support those. We hope we can fill this country with startups."

Joe Cohen, founder of Seatwave, believes giving access to the sort of digital skills needed to thrive to teenagers from underprivileged backgrounds is one crucial part of the puzzle.



He is involved in one such scheme in the deprived London borough of Tower Hamlets. It is surrounded by digital tech companies but most are unable right now to take their workforce from the local population.

The area is also on the doorstep of the Olympic Park, which is due to house a technology and media hub in the near future.

Mr Cohen said: "Entry level coding jobs can pay £30,000 a year. That's a lot of money for people brought up on some of these nearby estates. No-one in their family has ever made £30,000 a year.

"We must create growth through new skills and addressing inequality."

And the benefits to the UK are clear says Tory MP Sam Gyimah who cites figures showing that in the US, the Facebook apps ecosystem alone is responsible for 182,000 jobs contributing $12bn. He wants the UK to begin to take a bigger slice of that digital economy.

But while shows like Dragon's Den and The Apprentice only really scratch the surface of what's happening in UK tech innovation, many believe they prove that anyone can get a business off the ground with the right support, a will to work and, of course, a bright idea.

Emma Jones, co-founder of StartUp Britain, said: "A recent report pointed to the fact that this boom in entrepreneurialism we are seeing is down to so-called digital natives grasping both the power of modern technology and the internet.
 
"Technology has opened up the world to entrepreneurs and made it cheaper and easier to start-up than ever before."

She added: "These young people represent the future of business and our economic prosperity – that's why it's so important to offer them support by delivering the message that they can set up a business, there is support out there for them – and that we'll be with them every step of the way, cheering loudly!"

But it's not just in London where young people are said to be the key for digital technology growth. Manchester is now bidding to become the UK's tech capital and is home to The Sharp Project which provides a base for digital and technology entrepreneurs and production companies. 

Scott Fletcher, founder and chairman of IT services company ANS Group, said: "There is no sitting back on past glories in our industry, it's all about constant reinvention and innovation and investment in young talent is the essential fuel for that transformation and growth.

"Focusing our resources towards tech will provide the necessary stimulus for Manchester to dominate the tech space in the years ahead."

He added: "Providing on the job apprentice training is every bit as important as a finding tech and science graduates as young people are leaving school without skills in tech."

The Government has also recently launched a Start-up Loans scheme backed by former Dragon's Den star James Caan. It aims to lend around £2,500 each to around 30,000 new businesses per year.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "I want this to be the year where people can think: yes, I can do it; that we can get as many viable businesses as possible off the ground, that people can have a go and that we see a whole new wave of entrepreneurs who start small but think big."

Here's some ways for you to get involved…
 
Startup Britain - www.startupbritain.co.uk - has three top tips:
•    1) Never be afraid to start up
•    2) Start up in something you are passionate about
•    3) Always have a plan, if you don't have a plan, ask for advice and get one

Code Academy - www.codeacademy.com - allows anyone to learn the programmable languages that underpin websites, technology and apps.

Young Rewired State - www.youngrewiredstate.org - is a network of software developers and designers aged 18 and under. It runs events across the UK to get young children and teenagers interested in coding and programming.

Google Campus - www.campuslondon.com - Seven floors of co-working space are available to startups at low cost alongside networking events and mentoring.

TechHub - www.techhub.com - a community organisation and workspace venue for startups in London and Manchester.

The Sharp Project - www.thesharpproject.co.uk - a space for digital entrepreneurs and production companies, based in Manchester.

Start-Up Loans - http://www.startuploans.co.uk - Backed by former Dragon's Den star James Caan, this Government-backed scheme is aiming to lend start-ups some money to help get off the ground. Check out their Facebook page for more. https://www.facebook.com/StartUpLoansUK