Octopus Communications selected for PR support in the UK for new Government-launched graduate programme Entrepreneur First.

Octopus Communications has been appointed by new Government-launched graduate programme Entrepreneur First to develop and lead an ongoing PR and communications campaign in the UK.

Entrepreneur First is a not-for-profit scheme launched in March this year by Prime Minister David Cameron and corporate sponsors McKinsey & Company and Microsoft. It is a two-year programme providing a new route into entrepreneurship for graduates, backed by some of the UK's leading entrepreneurs, student groups and major employers.

The programme aims to help graduates start their own business by offering: mentorship from successful entrepreneurs; training in a curriculum developed with entrepreneurs to cover what they wished they had known starting out; networking with leading entrepreneurs, investors and corporate business leaders; access to funding via a network of investors; and in-kind support, including free legal advice, software and other benefits.

The PR brief will see Octopus develop an awareness campaign in the national, regional and university media to drive interest in Entrepreneur First among the under-graduate and post-graduate population of the UK and encourage them to think about starting their own business.

Alice Bentinck, COO, Entrepreneur First, said: "In order to help develop the next generation of Britain's entrepreneurs, it is important for us to promote the Entrepreneur First message and attract as many graduates as possible to the programme. PR is going to be a crucial part of this process. We are thrilled to have Octopus onboard to help us achieve this and are excited about what they will bring to the campaign."

Jon Lonsdale, MD, Octopus Communications, added: "I think most people agree that entrepreneurship is vital to the future of Great Britain. The next Branson, Dyson or Sugar could be studying at university right now, so it's hugely exciting to be part of the team that will be providing this new generation of entrepreneurs with the support and advice they need to make their vision a success. Octopus is delighted to be working with Entrepreneur First to help spread this important message."