Prisoners have pitched their business ideas to a “Dragons' Den” panel as part of a push towards getting ex-offenders into employment and reducing reoffending.

Prisoners have been pitching ideas and competing for funding in a “Dragons' Den” style event organised by charity Entrepreneurs Unlocked.

A graphic design consultancy and a personal fitness business were among the ideas put forward by those bidding for the start-up funding.

The winner will receive a grant of £400 and the runners up £300, after the Dragons (local entrepeneurs, ex-offenders and the public who have started their own companies) voted for their favourite plan.

Minister for Prisons and Probation, Damian Hinds, said: “Getting ex-prisoners into work cuts reoffending and makes our streets safer.

“Entrepreneurship drives our economy and can provide a promising path for those who are ready to turn their lives around. It is heartening to see prisoners demonstrate the skills needed to succeed in business and life.”

The event took place during Global Entrepreneurship Week and was the culmination of a 12-week course run by the charity Entrepreneurs Unlocked.

Sessions included training in finance, marketing, sales planning and developing a product or service - providing participants with the skills they need to integrate back into society and put a life of crime behind them. 

Ex-offenders who have set up their own businesses also spoke at the event, one of which was H.M.Pasties - a start-up which works to “bring out the good inside” by employing ex-offenders to make and sell pasties.

Statistics show that those who get a job after prison are up to nine percentage points less likely to reoffend.

Entrepreneurs Unlocked work with five prisons: HMP Liverpool, Thorn Cross, Risley, Hindley, and Buckley Hall.