A leading businesswoman has given budding entrepreneurs an insight into how to create a thriving enterprise during an event at City College Norwich.

Julie Meyer, chief executive officer of investment and advisory firm Ariadne Capital, visited the college to listen to students' entrepreneurial ideas and give her advice on how to build a backable business.

Ms Meyer, who has advised business secretary Vince Cable on ways of promoting growth, said students needed to be prepared to adapt throughout their working lives to make the most of the struggling economy.

She added: 'If I was a young person one of the things I could be certain about is that it is going to be one of the most uncertain times economically, but what will help is to think and act in an entrepreneurial way.

'Young people are going to have to be flexible in order to be confident, resilient and know how to sell themselves well in order to adapt to the challenges in the future.'

Ms Meyer is the managing partner of the Ariadne Capital Entrepreneurs Fund, which she founded with 25 leading entrepreneurs and business people.

ACE invests in 'digital enablers' – those enabling technologies and tools which transform existing industry.

At present, Ms Meyer is one of two judges on BBC's Dragons' Den online, where entrepreneurs make video pitches in the hope of securing investment.

Dick Palmer, chief executive officer, City College Norwich said Ms Meyer was a great role model for the students. He said: 'We are delighted to have secured Julie for this exclusive event in The StartUp Lounge at City College Norwich.

'She has a stellar track record and is a truly inspiring role model for our students.

'At City College Norwich, enterprise and entrepreneurship are at the heart of our ethos. As a founding member of Gazelle we are able to give our students access to entrepreneurs like Julie Meyer which is a core element of the unique experience we offer.'

Ms Meyer's visit comes after she launched her new business advice book Welcome to Entrepreneur Country, which she signed copies of for students.