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Buildersite.co.uk, a high-tech online business aimed at matching homeowners with trusted tradesmen, was one of six companies to be awarded €50,000 worth of investment in a European-wide entrepreneurship competition.

Recent member of the University of Bristol’s SETsquared Business Acceleration Centre, Buildersite, was selected as one of 20 companies, from 268 applicants across Europe, to participate in Seedcamp. The programme, which includes a week of workshops, peer support and advice from leading early-stage venture capitalists and entrepreneurs, was founded by Saul Klein whose ambition is to find "the next Google" for Europe. In addition to the investment, each company will receive three months intensive coaching and support from the Seedcamp team.

Commenting on his achievement, the company’s founder Ryan Notz said "Starting a new technology business can be quite treacherous and in the early days I had a really hard time meeting people and getting advice on how to build my business. However, I was extremely fortunate spend a year at the SETsquared Business Acceleration Centre at the University of Bristol, where the staff and mentors really encouraged and pushed me to progress my business."

Taking on all the advice he’s received over the past year, Ryan is currently working towards launching the Buildersite "Services Marketplace". This new format will allow for a transparent and competitive bidding process. The consumer lists their job, "eBay" style, and waits for bids to come in. During the bidding process the consumer will receive questions from tradesmen and requests to visit their house. They get to vet each builder first by reading their profiles and feedback. After their listing has ended, they can compare bids and decide which one they want use.

SETsquared Business Acceleration Centre Director, Nick Sturge has been extremely impressed with Ryan’s achievements to date "Ryan has the vision, enthusiasm and dogged determination to succeed in business. We are extremely proud to have worked with him in developing his business".

Buildersite has recently moved to London to be closer to their clients, but remain a virtual member of the SETsquared Business Acceleration Centre. Ryan will also be presenting to investors at the annual SETsquared Partnership Investment Event in London on Wednesday 17 October.

For further information, visit the SETSquared website