The boss behind a technology company that helped design Tesco's tablet computer will headline a Virgin StartUp event in Norwich.

Matt Miller, whose firm Ustwo created the user interface for the Hudl, will be keynote speaker for Virgin's HotHouse tour when it visits Norwich University of the Arts on February 25.

The event aims to partner successful entrepreneurs with up-and-coming businesses through special workshops, mentoring support and inspirational speeches.

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• Video update: Norwich agency and Virgin to kick start 2,000 UK firms

It is being held between 5pm and 8pm and hosted by leader and coach David McQueen,

Enterprise agency NWES will also be on hand to offer entrepreneurs and fledgling businesses the chance to get information on mentoring and funding.

It comes after NWES and Virgin joined forces in October to help kick-start 2,000 new businesses across the country by providing start up loans to people aged between 18 and 30 years old.

Kevin Horne, chief executive of the Cavendish Consortium in charge of NWES, said the event will give businesses the chance to gain expert advice.

'The HotHouse tour will provide people with the opportunity to speak to entrepreneurs who have been there and done it,' he said. 'There will also be a host of people from Virgin and NWES to give those looking to start a business advice on what to do next.'

Mr Horne said NWES had recently been awarded Start Up Loans provider of the year on the back of the Virgin contract, which also helped create three new jobs.

'Through the partnership with Virgin, we are on target to lend £2m in finance by March – with a view to lending a further £15m next year,' he said. 'But we are not lending to anybody. The businesses we help have to provide a robust business plan. Some of the Norfolk and Suffolk firms we have backed through the Start Up Loans scheme have gone on to recruit about 10 or 15 people.'

Attendance to the event is free on a first come first served basis.