AN APP that helps look after mental and physical health and a TV drama set in Bournemouth are some of the business ideas being put before investors.

Dorset Business Angels (DBA) hosts its next investors’ pitch event on Monday, March 12, at the Royal Bath Hotel in Bournemouth.

It is urging potential investors to book a place.

DBA chairman Don McQueen said there were “five incredibly diverse” pitches lined up:

n An artificial intelligence app to help employees look after their physical and mental health at work.

n A social media analysis platform with ITV, Twitter and the Premier League among its clients.

n A new payment portal platform which has gained approval from Mastercard.

n New organic produce stores in the healthcare sector, seeking to capitalise on a growing appetite for organic produce on the go.

n A team seeking funding for a new TV drama series to be set in Bournemouth.

Mr McQueen said: “We welcome potential investors to come along, network and maybe discover an exciting, new investor proposition. Even if someone has not invested before, you would be made very welcome.”

The angels were formed in 2013, with the aim of bringing entrepreneurs and investors together. Companies pitch their ideas in a Dragon’s Den-type scenario at events held four times a year.

DBA directors Peter Eales and Max Wright recently met with Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to discuss how they could engage with the chamber community.

Mr Girling said: “I was really surprised but encouraged to hear that opportunities for investors start as low as £5,000-10,000, when an investor might team up with other investors. This increases the skills pool available to the pitching business but also reduces the risk involved for an individual investor.”

Angel investor Max Wright said: “The average term of an investment is anywhere between three to five years, with a potential investment return being achieved of between 300-500 per cent.

“I only invest in sectors that I know and understand and would always state that potential investors should be prepared that their money can be lost too. However, there are generous government tax schemes, such as Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS), which mean that even if an investment is not successful that up to 80 per cent of the investment made can be recouped. I would say that three or four investments out of 10 made are successful.”

The angels are particularly keen to recruit women investors, after research showed just 14 per cent of angel investors are women.

Mr Eales said: “Women are not generally being told about tax breaks and the opportunities for backing great businesses. Yes there are risks, but equally there are exciting opportunities and ways to manage the risks, as with any investment portfolio.”

Details are at dorsetbusinessangels.co.uk/Pitch-Evening.aspx