An entrepreneur who has built an international venture despite being turned down for investment on BBC TV’s Dragons' Den is among those taking part in a unique meeting between London and Bristol businesses.

Rob Law, founder of Magmatic and creator of the iconic ride-on children’s suitcase brand Trunki, is part of London to Bristol, a ‘mission’ aimed at showcasing the business talent based in areas outside the capital. 

The Bristol entrepreneur Rob Law appeared on the television show in 2006. The five Dragons decided not to invest but since then his company has achieved huge success with the product sold in 62 countries.

The brainwave of London-based Oli Barrett, a businessman known for his love of connecting people and supported by Bristol digital publisher Sift Media, London to Bristol takes place on Friday 5 August. 

More than 50 entrepreneurs and business experts are taking part and after arriving at Bristol Temple Meads Station will eat lunch from some of the city’s best independent food producers at Saint Nicholas Market before touring several Bristol companies.

As well as Magmatic, participants will visit social media agency Sift Groups, Cloud Computing software firm Brightpearl, design agency Studio Diva, healthcare social network DocCom and university enterprise organisation SETsquared.

The day will conclude with a drinks reception at Sift Media headquarters and a speech by Sift CEO Ben Heald followed by dinner at Seven Shed on the Bristol harbourside.

Oli Barrett, co-founder of StartUp Britain and the Co-Sponsorship Agency, says: “Having helped organise a series of trade missions to San Francisco, I know how useful it can be to bring good groups together.

“Too often, I meet with Bristol companies in London and am aware that both I and my colleagues have not spent time in their home city.

“London companies need to get out more and I hope that London to Bristol will forge stronger links between the two cities.”

Dan Martin, editor of Sift Media’s small business community BusinessZone.co.uk, adds: “London is oozing creativity when it comes to business but it’s not just about Tech City and the Silicon Roundabout; Bristol also has a huge amount to offer in terms of innovation and entrepreneurial talent.

“We have been delighted to help Oli organise this unique event and look forward to showcasing Bristol’s finest entrepreneurs to London’s finest entrepreneurs.”