StartUp Disruptors is partnering with Uber to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship along the south coast.

The global ridesharing company will allow StartUp Disruptors to utilize its Greenlight Hubs, in-person support centres for drivers who use the Uber app – to hold meet and greets, networking events and other meetings.

StartUp Disruptors was founded 18 months ago by Portsmouth marketing expert, Becky Lodge, director and owner of Little Kanga; and virtual assistant and events’ specialist Laura Kenward, two female entrepreneurs who were horrified at how small business owners were getting a poor deal from unscrupulous suppliers. The group has grown exponentially and since attracted crowdfunding.

StartUp Disruptors is now launching a new monthly networking group in Southampton at Uber’s office premises, the Greenlight Hub at Empress Heights, Richmond Street.

Becky said: “StartUp Disruptors will support Uber’s driver base, a natural fit as they are also small business owners and entrepreneurs.”

The group is actively seeking sponsors to be part of its growth initiative, which will, in turn, support further innovation and entrepreneurial growth across the UK.

“StartUp Disruptors and Uber are committed to supporting local communities and believe that good ideas can ‘come from anywhere’, thus helping social mobility across the UK,” continued Becky.

“We have created something special in the heart of Portsmouth, a vibrant and trustworthy group which attracts people who have found that other networking groups simply do not work for them or are just talking shops.

“We are helping people with great ideas make those ideas pay. They are able to make a living and work with other local valued and trusted suppliers who have faced similar issues. Ultimately we are putting something back into the city and wider regional area.”

Their enterprise and ‘can do’ attitude is an important part of the appeal and synergy with Uber.

Eugenie Teasley, Head of Cities, South England added: “At Uber we believe that innovation and technology have the potential to transform cities for the better. We are committed to being a positive contributor to the local organisations and communities in which we operate across the UK and Ireland. Together, Uber and StartUp Disruptors can help promote the south coast as a centre of entrepreneurship and positively contribute to innovation in local communities.”