New Yorker John Sims has lived in Britain for less than a decade.

But it didn't take the business guru long to decide where would be the best place to take his new roadshow offering free advice for Bradford's budding entrepreneurs.

Next week he will start a tour of three city pubs where he will provide anyone who comes forward seeking business advice with a complimentary pint of their choosing.

It might sound an unlikely first step on the ladder to building a booming business, but John is convinced it might just persuade a few budding Richard Bransons to come along and share their ideas.

Since starting his new role as an enterprise counsellor for Business Link's Bradford offices, John has taken his roadshow everywhere from street corners and libraries to supermarkets.

And now he's going to the pub.

"I thought it was better than me sitting in our office and expecting people to come to me," he said.

"Hopefully, the free beer will get people to talk."

But he admitted setting up office in a Bradford pub was a far cry from his previous role as one of the founders of world-leading Enterprise Rent-a-car. And, during his career, he has also set-up a global film production company.

But John, who lives in Haworth, said he was now on a new mission - to help boost Bradford business.

His role is targeted specifically at the Newlands area of the district which includes Thorpe Edge, Ravenscliffe, Fagley, Bradford Moor, Thornbury, Greengates and Eccleshill.

He said: "I just thought this was a good opportunity to use my business skills and help to get people employed. I think the services that Business Link can supply are fantastic.

"I think there is real talent out there that has been untapped - there are people who've got good ideas but setting up a business can seem very daunting.

"But we are not necessary talking about the next Richard Branson, it might simply be a case of a painting or decorating business. Anyone who wants to set up their own business really should be talking to me because I can offer services and advice for free. If they've got an idea, no matter how far fetched it might seem, then let's get together and talk about it."

The roadshow will visit the following pubs: Thursday, August 28, at Roebuck Hotel, Harrogate Road, from 7pm until 10pm; Tuesday, September 2, at The Sycamores, Norman Lane, from noon until 3pm; Wednesday, September 3, at The Smiling Mule, Moorside Road, from 7pm until 10pm.

For more information contact John on (01274) 728112 or 07903 262804.